A former trucking company employee is facing felony charges for allegedly using peer-to-peer apps to steal customer payments from his employer.

This week, Jason Garza, 45, was arraigned a district court in Plymouth, Michigan on six felony charges, including:

• One count of Embezzlement More Than $100,000, a 20-year felony
• One count of Embezzlement More Than $50,000 but Less Than $100,000, a 15-year felon 
• One count of Embezzlement More Than $1,000 but Less Than $20,000, a 5-felony
• Three corresponding counts of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime

Garza is accused of embezzling more than $166,000 from his former employer, Montway Auto Transport, located in Canton Township, according to the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

In 2021 and 2022, while working for Montway, Garza allegedly offered customers unauthorized discounts if they paid him directly through peer-to-peer mobile payment apps. Garza then kept those payments for personal use and did not remit any of the money to Montway, officials say.

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

This case was referred to the Michigan Department of Attorney General by the FBI.