A Wyandotte man is facing serious time behind bars after being slapped with multiple felony charges for embezzling a hefty sum from his former employer, a car transport company. Jason Garza, 45, stood before Judge Joe Barone for arraignment, with six felony charges to his name, including a 20-year felony for embezzlement of over $100,000, as reported by the Michigan Attorney General's Office.
According to the details, presented by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Garza who worked for Montway Auto Transport based in Canton Township, allegedly doled out unauthorized discounts to customers who paid him directly through mobile payment apps during 2021 and 2022. He is accused of pocketing these payments for personal use, and not a dime apparently made its way to the company's coffers.
Nessel, expressing the gravity of such offenses, said, "Employees who steal from businesses betray the trust of their employers and their colleagues." In a move demonstrating the government's stand on the matter, she added, "My office remains committed to ensuring individuals who engage in embezzlement and fraud are held accountable," as mentioned by the Michigan Attorney General's Office. This case came into the Attorney General's purview following a referral from the FBI—and now, Garza's future hangs in the balance as he confronts the possibility of two decades in prison.
Garza's charges do not end with embezzlement. He is also facing three counts of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, a reminder of the digital tools that allegedly facilitated his scheme. He is set to appear before Judge Michael J. Gerou on July 7 for a probable cause conference, where more details are expected to come out and the case will begin to move forward.
