Wyandotte Man Sentenced for Embezzling Over $166,000

AG: Michigan News

Filed March 19th, 2026

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

The Michigan Attorney General announced the sentencing of Jason Garza to 2-20 years for embezzling over $166,000 from his former employer, Montway Auto Transport. Garza pleaded guilty to ten felony charges, including embezzlement and using a computer to commit a crime, and was ordered to pay over $500,000 in restitution.

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What changed

Jason Garza has been sentenced to 24 to 240 months in prison for embezzling over $166,000 from Montway Auto Transport. He pleaded guilty to ten felony charges, including embezzlement and using a computer to commit a crime. The scheme involved offering unauthorized discounts to customers who paid directly via mobile apps, with Garza pocketing the funds instead of remitting them to his employer. He was also ordered to pay over $500,000 in restitution to the Michigan Department of Treasury, Montway LLC, and Travelers Insurance.

This sentencing serves as a reminder to employers about the importance of internal controls and employee oversight to prevent financial fraud. Businesses should be aware of the potential for employee theft, especially when payments are handled outside of standard financial channels. The case highlights the severe legal consequences, including lengthy incarceration and substantial restitution orders, for individuals engaging in embezzlement and related financial crimes.

What to do next

Review internal controls for payment processing and customer discounts.
Reinforce policies regarding direct payments to employees.
Ensure accurate income tax filings for all employees.

Penalties

24 to 240 months incarceration; restitution of more than $500,000.

Source document (simplified)

Wyandotte Man Sentenced 2-20 Years for Embezzling More Than $166,000 From Former Employer

March 19, 2026

LANSING – Today, Jason Garza, 46, of Wyandotte, was sentenced by Judge Tracy Green of the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County to 24 to 240 months’ incarceration after pleading guilty to ten felony charges for embezzling more than $166,000 from his employer, Montway Auto Transport, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Garza, who was first charged in June 2025, was convicted of:

One count of Embezzlement More Than $100,000;
One count of Embezzlement More Than $50,000 but Less Than $100,000;
One count of Embezzlement More Than $1,000 but Less Than $20,000;
Three corresponding counts of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime; and
Four counts of Failure to File Income Taxes. In 2021 and 2022, while Garza was employed by Montway Auto Transport, located in Canton Township, he offered customers unauthorized discounts if they paid Garza directly through peer-to-peer mobile payment apps. Garza kept the payments for personal use and failed to remit any funds to Montway. Garza was ordered to pay full restitution to the Michigan Department of Treasury, Montway LLC, and Travelers Insurance, amounting to more than $500,000.

“When employees steal from their employers, they jeopardize not only the victimized businesses but also the livelihoods of their coworkers,” said Attorney General Nessel at the time the defendant was convicted. “I am grateful for the investigative efforts of the FBI that uncovered these thefts, and for the prosecutors in my office who are committed to protecting Michigan residents, businesses and customers alike, from fraud and theft.”

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

MI Newswire Attorney General Press Release Embezzlement Media Contact:

Danny Wimmer

Press Secretary

agpress@michigan.gov

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