Wyandotte Man Charged with Embezzling More Than $166,000 From Former Employer

LANSING – Jason Garza, 45, of Wyandotte, waived preliminary examination and was bound over to stand trial in the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County on ten felony charges for allegedly embezzling more than $166,000 from his employer, Montway Auto Transport, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Garza, who was initally charged in June, was bound over to stand trial on: 

• 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 felony;
• One count of Embezzlement More Than $1,000 but Less Than $20,000, a 5-year felony;
• Three corresponding counts of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime; and
• Four counts of Failure To File Income Taxes, a 5-year felony. 

In 2021 and 2022, while Garza was employed by Montway Auto Transport, located in Canton Township, it is alleged he offered customers unauthorized discounts if they paid Garza directly through peer-to-peer mobile payment apps. He allegedly kept the payments for personal use and failed to remit any funds to Montway. 

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

The case was referred to the Department of Attorney General by the FBI. Garza is scheduled to appear in the 3rd Circuit Court on October 21.