Metro Detroit Man Steals $166K From Former Employer: Police

WYANDOTTE, MI — A metro Detroit man is facing charges after stealing more than $166,000 from his former employer, according to the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

Jason Garza, 45, of Wyandotte, was charged with six felonies, including:

• One count of embezzlement more than $100,000 (20-year felony)
• One count of embezzlement more than $50,000 but Less Than $100,000 (15-year felony)
• One count of embezzlement more than $1,000 but Less Than $20,000 (5-felony)
• Three corresponding counts of using a computer to commit a crime.

Officials said Garza was employed by Montway Auto Transport, located in Canton Township, between 2021 and 2022. While working there, officials said Garza offered customers unauthorized discounts if they paid Garza directly through peer-to-peer mobile payment apps.

Garza kept the payments for personal use and did not remit any funds to Montway, officials said.

Overall, officials said Garza scammed the business out of more than $166,000.

"Employees who steal from businesses betray the trust of their employers and their colleagues," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. "My office remains committed to ensuring individuals who engage in embezzlement and fraud are held accountable."