In Hunterdon County in the state of New Jersey. Is there a minimum theft amount needed to be reached before termination for theft is legally allow?

Salaried member of management. Retail. Theft amount $2.98 for a single item. No other amount or items. This employee was the only 1 capable of running a register and can not cashier themselves do to Walmart policy. Employee forgot to make purchase at shifts end when cashiers showed for work. The very next shift start this associate immediately paid for the item knowing they forgot. So the item in question was paid for willingly and without knowledge of future punishment coming within 11 hours of the mistake. Can you please direct me to the exact law code that states a employer or employees rights given this matter?