Maybe at the smaller independents, but at the chains with actual HR, accounting and legal departments, it's not going to happen.
This is probably why the manager didn't want to comment much and have his name out there. People spreading unsubstantiated rumors accusing him of theft and labor violations.
The law and the station's policy is clear. You can't deduct from employees for losses in a situation like this and the company policy is to not engage a thief. Spreading rumors and making allegations is useless.