Saks personal shopper facing charges sues his ex-employer, claiming retaliation

State of play: In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, Kwatra alleges Saks pressed charges against him in retaliation for interviewing with a competitor about a job there.

• In the lawsuit filed in Suffolk Superior Court, Kwatra claims that two Saks "asset protection" managers escorted him from an appointment with a client into an isolated office for an interrogation.
• "At no point in the interrogation did Kwatra admit to stealing or engaging in any criminal conduct. He did not confess to a 'scheme,' a 'scam,' or any unlawful activity," the lawsuit states.
• Kwatra alleges he was forced to sign a promissory note for nearly half a million dollars and an "untrue and humiliating" statement about how he handled gift cards and merchandise in exchange for confidentiality and no criminal prosecution.
• Managers threatened to "destroy his reputation" if he didn't "come clean," according to Kwatra's suit, and "refused to explain the basis for their accusations."

The other side: Saks did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Catch up quick: The criminal charges against Kwatra allege he processed fraudulent refunds and mismanaged promotional gift cards.

What's next: Kwatra seeks damages for false arrest, defamation and tortious interference.

• He's scheduled for arraignment Jan. 30.