<p>I guess I’m more hard-nosed about this than most. I see no reason why your family should bear the burden of a $300 loss (at the minimum). Your “reimbursing” your son does nothing but punish you for Tom’s thievery.</p>
<p>Sorry, but as noted here, the kid’s an adult. Leave his parents out of it and report it to the local police. Period. This is larceny, pure and simple. Tom can stop “having his life ruined” in most states, for a first offense, by promising restitition to the victims - you and your son get the money back. And if it’s not a first offense, then Tom needs a serious wake up call. Your son could actually be doing this kid a favor by refusing to shield him from the consequences of his own actions.</p>