MANCHESTER - Arrested in a shopping-plaza police sting on Monday, a Manchester man said he's been told not to show up to work until the matter is resolved.

Alexander Ramasci, 23, who works as a part-time clerk at the New Hampshire liquor store in Hooksett, said his hopes for a higher-paying, full-time job have also been put on hold. Ramasci was charged with misdemeanor theft Monday, after he took a purse and electronic consumer good from an unattended shopping cart and put them in the trunk of his car.

As reported Wednesday morning on UnionLeader.com and in the New Hampshire Union Leader, police had set the snare at the T.J. Maxx parking lot as part of a sting operation to ensure shopper safety. But Ramasci has maintained he planned to bring the purse home and try to trace the owner.

Ramasci, who lives with his parents in south Manchester, said he won't be able to pay his bills if he can't work. He ticked off credit card bills, student loans, car insurance and cell phone charges.

"Especially during the holiday season, this is killing me," Ramasci said Wednesday.

The human resources director at the New Hampshire Liquor Commission confirmed that Ramasci works as a part-time, temporary position and earns $11 an hour. But she said she cannot talk about his status.

"We go by the Division of Personnel rules. It all depends on the outcome of what's going on," said Kelly Mathews, human resources administrator for the Liquor Commission. Asked if Ramasci is not innocent until proven guilty, she said "it's supposed to be that way."

Ramasci said he was on his way to work Wednesday when his manager called him and told him not to show up. The manager also said not to bother with an interview, scheduled for Monday. Ramasci said he was hoping for a full-time job that paid a couple dollars more an hour and benefits.

"For me to have a theft charge at a liquor store, (they're thinking) why wouldn't he be stealing from us?" he said.

Ramasci is scheduled to be arraigned Friday morning in Manchester District Court.

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Mark Hayward may be reached at mhayward@unionleader.com.