When Simon Cremer, manager of the In House Flooring of Witham Co., discovered one of his employees attempting to use the business’ money for personal expenses, you’d think he would’ve notified the police.

Bringing Mark Gilbert to the authorities was on Cremer’s mind, but he decided to publicly embarrass the former employee before handing him over. With the help of three other employees, Cremer tied Gilbert’s hands behind his back and forced him to wear a sign that read: “THIEF. I stole $845. Am on my way to the police station.”

Cremer and the employees walked Gilbert down a bustling city street and into the local police station. The stunt may have had employees and passers-by laughing, but it backfired on Cremer — he and the workers were charged with false imprisonment. In addition to a night spent in jail, Cremer’s business was also evicted from its office building.

Police also still have yet to return Cremer’s van, which was seized soon after his arrest and contains business tools.