Returning an Item That Has Been Stolen
If you can prove that you did not know that the item was stolen, it is unlikely that you will face any serious consequences. However, if you stole the item yourself or knew that the item was stolen and tried to return it for cash or store credit, your act is considered a crime.
Can you return stolen stuff?
Attempting to return a stolen item is highly illegal and could place you in jail.
Can I return stolen merchandise?
If they return the stolen item, you may still be able to press charges. ... However, theft is defined as the act of taking someone's property without the intention to give it back. Since they gave back the item, you may have a hard time proving that this wasn't their original intent.
