All states in this country have statutes allowing the vendor to make a civil demand for payment against the person accused of shoplifting its merchanise where the payment would prevent any civil lawsuit arising from the incident. The $193.97 amount is some statutory amount in your state per code being sought most likely based upon the value of the item taken.If you ignore the letter, you will get a second one for a higher demand. Most likely if the civil demand is not paid, your credit report will be impacted by a claim by the merchant. If you pay the demand, then if you get a release in writing you will not have to worry about a civil lawsuit by the merchant.It is your call as to what you are willing to do. Pay the $193.97 for a full release and not have to worry about a civil lawsuit and the time/costs to defend it or run the risk of it and a possible judgment against you.