A grocery store manager in Troy, Michigan, has been charged with embezzling at least $750,000 from the Fresh Thyme Market over a period of 16 months. Trevor Beaver, 31, allegedly took the money from the store’s newly installed self-checkout terminals, where he had access, according to a statement from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Beaver, who worked at the store from July 2022 to November 2023, reportedly scheduled himself as the sole manager responsible for depositing the daily cash, even on his days off. This allowed him to take the money without detection. The embezzlement scheme was only discovered after an audit system for the self-checkout machines was implemented in October 2023.
During the audit, it was revealed that there was a significant loss discrepancy of approximately $900,000 between cash sales and deposits. Further investigation determined that $750,000 of this loss was a result of Beaver’s theft. When confronted by management, loss prevention, and the Michigan State Police, Beaver admitted to the embezzlement scheme.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel emphasized the impact of retail theft on businesses and consumers, stating that it not only harms the businesses but also leads to increased prices for consumers. Nessel urged all businesses, regardless of size, to enforce basic mechanisms for loss prevention to protect themselves from falling victim to similar crimes.
Beaver has been charged with one count of Embezzlement over $100,000 and one count of using a computer to commit a crime. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 20 years or more to life in prison. An arraignment date has not yet been set.
