South Carolina Shopper’s $3.1 Million Award Against Target Upheld

May 19, 2009

A federal judge has upheld a South Carolina shopper’s $3.1 million jury award from Target Corp., but the retailer says it will continue to appeal.

Rita Cantrell sued Target after she was wrongly accused of using a counterfeit $100 bill at a Greenville store in February 2006.

Cantrell says the store sent her name, picture and description to 75 retailers across the area, saying she tried to use a counterfeit bill.

The Secret Service questioned Cantrell and determined the bill was real. Cantrell sued and was awarded $3.1 million, in part for the humiliation she says she suffered.

Target spokeswoman Bethany Zucco says the Minneapolis company regrets what happened to Cantrell, but thinks the award was way too high and will continue its appeal.