You have no privacy in company equipment. They can search it remotely and never tell you. one hundred percent legal. However many companies give you more privacy than the law allows.
Suing for your lost stick is not likely to go anywhere. See theres a thing called contributory liability. How liable is the party suing? You lost your stick. So your own negligence was the primary vehicle. Not saying they wouldnt be liable just saying its not such a clear case.
However I would definitley demand it back and state that you want it back as any you fear the risk of publication. Their possession of the stick makes them responsible.
Being fired: In most all states, absent a contract or a union, they can fire you for ANY reason, except race, creed, religion, sex. Any other reason. Its called 'at will' employment.
Now that doesnt mean that they do. Thats just the law.
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