As a general rule, an employer cannot make any deductions from an employee's paycheck without the employee's express consent (typically in writing). And such a deduction would have to be explained to the employee (e.g. via receipt or other documentation, etc). The fact is that an employee can be held liable for certain shortages or the like. However, if an employer cannot get the employee to voluntarily pay, then they will have to sue to get it (they cannot just deduct money out of a paycheck).