technically deserves to be fired. even though he lied, it was a stupid lie that doesnt mean anything. he did what any one of us would do in that situation. and if that lady would put the money she spent on cameras into a 12yo kid to mow her yard, the inspector would never have been there in the first place.
and ill even go out on a limb and say this chick is selling or growing drugs. because there sure aint nothing in that house worth stealing, so i can be pretty judgmental about the reason she has cameras in the first place. i bet the inspector, being a former cop, probably felt this place was a dug house and didnt think anyone would believe her story over his. but that is all speculation on my part... im just sayin.
I think we have the heart of the issue.
It was stupid to lie but the lie wasn't just a stupid lie.
Lying is never good but I'd say lying to the employer is top 5 in the list of people you should never lie to.
As an employer and person that employes people what this guy demonstrated was.
1. Dishonesty, if he is willing to lie about something so stupid what else is he willing to do.
2. Lack of respect for his employer, not even common courtesy to be truthful.
3. Bad judgement and decision making skills.
As an employer he is a proven liability why keep him on when there are thousands if honest people looking for work.