This doesn't ring true.
A member of the military shoplifting from a PX (or BX) would not be facing civilian justice. This would seem to be a matter entirely within the jurisdiction of military justice.
Military Police would have been called, the facts would have been recorded by them, and the report would be forwarded to Karpinski's commanding officer for further action. The commanding officer would make a determination of what punishment might be appropriate and that would determine what process would be carried out.
For this charge against a full colonel, I can't imagine that there is any option other than exoneration due to lack of evidence or punishment including resignation from the military.
Suggesting that a high-ranking officer can just complete some form of "community service" and then proceed to be responsible for the lives of thousands of soldiers in combat is ridiculous. If her commanding officer chose to believe that she was not guilty, it would have to have been based on a combination of a good record on her part and doubtful circumstances in the report.
Just saying "I forgot that I had put the bottle in my pocket" would not be sufficient to relieve her of accountability for not having paid. There are so many people competing for general's stars that there is little reason to overlook even slight character flaws.
Perfume....Looking at her....I smell coverup!!
All good points. When I worked at Army Selection Boards (many years ago) the BG board ran across an 06 who had received a Letter of Reprimand for shoplifting a set of uniform unit crests at the PX while attending the Army War College. It made the boards task easy. They just voted him down with a recommendation for him to "Show Cause" for continued service. L'sOR and GO Article 15's are common ways commanders send messages to selection boards.
In Karpinski's case, I understand she was already on the promotion list. She fell through the cracks. There is no way she would have stayed on the BG promotion list unless someone high up overrode DA.