- By Matthew P. Binkewicz
- Around Town
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Ask IMOAsk IMOLansing's Advice Column
Dear IMO,
I was wondering how far one should go to protect one’s employer. Recently, my boss asked me to destroy some emails he sent me concerning an investigation at our company. Apparently, he has been under suspicion about financial irregularities. Although there are no specific numbers mentioned, the emails are quite explicit, almost a confession of sorts. According to some in the company, he most likely will be fired by the CEO and may be under investigation for embezzlement.
I feel quite a bit of loyalty to him since he was influential in getting me hired over several other equally qualified candidates for the job. I know I should not destroy the emails, but he is a very close friend. How far should loyalty extend?
Sincerely,
William
Unless you look good in bright orange and want your new theme song to be “I walk the Line”, you should not delete any emails you have. Your boss is wrong, very wrong, in asking you to destroy those emails. He seems to have committed some crime, and if found guilty, should face the consequences. If you destroy those emails or tamper with evidence in any way, you will be held responsible and may be charged with a crime.
Loyalty is an admirable virtue; tampering with evidence is not. You need to speak to him in person and tell him that you cannot delete the emails. He may remind you that it was his efforts that landed you the position, but that is not reason enough to break the law. He is asking you to cover for his poor judgment, and you would be unwise to do so.
If he murdered someone and asked you to dispose of the murder weapon, would you do it? Of course, you wouldn’t. Financial crimes are committed every day, and the majority of these perpetrators are caught, tried and sent to prison. Your efforts to delete the emails would be futile since the authorities will work with your employer and retrieve those emails from the backup tapes or files along with phone calls and other incriminating evidence. Be honest with all involved, and you will feel much better about yourself.
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