DURHAM, N.C. — WilcoHess, LLC and Cynthia Sherlin announced Friday that they have resolved the matter involving Sherlin's recent discharge from employment after she helped police apprehend a fugitive.

Although precise terms of the resolution are confidential, Sherlin and WilcoHess acknowledged the following:

Last December, Sherlin informed Durham police that an escaped prisoner was at the WilcoHess store where she worked. Police recaptured the prisoner.

WilcoHess terminated Sherlin on Dec. 16, saying it was the safe thing to do after threats were made to the store following the recapture.

Steve Williams, president and chief executive officer of WilcoHess in Winston-Salem, said the company apologized to Sherlin for terminating her.

"Ms. Sherlin's aiding the police was the right thing to do," Williams said. "We did not handle this appropriately, and, for that, we sincerely apologize to Ms. Sherlin.

"We made mistakes and are trying to correct them."

Through her attorney, Michael Kornbluth of Durham, Sherlin said she was satisfied with the resolution of the matter.

Kornbluth acknowledged that WilcoHess offered the new position and that it went a long way toward restoring his client's trust in the company.

"When a corporation can admit its mistakes, learn from them and move forward in a positive manner, then we certainly support those efforts," Kornbluth said. "Ms. Sherlin is very pleased with the settlement, and we believe the situation has been corrected."