It may make more sense in the context of his successful attempt to avoid going to prison or otherwise get a severe punishment. I don't think it's sarcastic exa

It may make more sense in the context of his successful attempt to avoid going to prison or otherwise get a severe punishment. I don't think it's sarcastic exactly, or feigned, I think he genuinely respected the working people on the security staff, and didn't mean them or the mall any harm. (I'm not sure I believe he genuinely respected the mall and its owners in an unfeigned way). But, yeah, the choice to emphasize that in his narrative seems probably affected by his hope to avoid going to jail.