Police Arrest Santa Cruz Man for Embezzlement
WATSONVILLE—Detectives with the Watsonville Police Department arrested 35-year-old Jason Matthew Haas of Santa Cruz for embezzlement after a month long investigation.
Jason Haas
On Wednesday November 21, detectives served a search warrant at Hass’ home on the 1600 block of Merrill Street in Santa Cruz. Haas conducted business under the name of Payroll Management Group and was providing services for Royal Coach Tours from San Jose.
Watsonville Police Department’s investigation revealed that Haas had access to the company’s accounts. He used payroll software to convert funds that were supposed to be earmarked for Royal Coach’s payroll tax fund and made checks out to his company, Payroll Management Group.
Haas was working with Royal Coach Tours payroll accounts since March until September of this year and during the six-month period he siphoned approximately $567,654.21 from the account. That money was to have been paid to the State Of California and to the Internal Revenue Service.
Watsonville Police detectives are well aware of Hass’ exploits has he has been arrested in defrauding a San Jose restaurant last year. He was arrested and charged in that case. “We are aware of several ongoing investigations in other counties like Santa Clara and San Benito Counties,” Watsonville Police Detective Charles Bailey said.” We have also learned about an investigation of Haas from the State of Michigan.”
Haas has been booked into Santa Clara County Jail on charges of embezzlement, grand theft and making a fictitious check. His bail as been set at $250,000 dollars.
The Watsonville Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding Mr. Haas to call them or Detective Bailey at 1-831-768-3358 or their anonymous tip line at 768-3544.
