AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 20, 2026
Daimler Trucks North America Files Embezzlement Lawsuit Against Former Employee
Daimler Trucks North America, one of Portland’s largest companies, has filed a lawsuit against former employee Terry Watson and his wife, Krystal Watson. The company is seeking more than $6.5 million in damages, alleging a years-long embezzlement scheme that funded personal expenses, including trips to Las Vegas and Legoland.
Details of the Alleged Corporate Fraud
According to the complaint filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court, Terry Watson worked for Daimler from 2016 until 2025. The lawsuit claims that starting in July 2020, Watson misused a company credit card that had been designated for business expenses only. With the cooperation of his then-manager, Watson allegedly used company funds to pay for personal spending, disguising the expenses as legitimate business costs, such as materials, tools, or safety equipment.
Specific Accusations of Employee Theft and Credit Card Misuse
The complaint further alleges that Watson went as far as impersonating a supervisor to charge a personal vehicle expense to the company credit card. In a separate claim, Daimler says Watson used his position to acquire several company-issued fuel cards, which were intended solely for work-related fuel purchases. Instead, in November 2020, Watson is accused of obtaining multiple fuel cards for personal use by himself, his family members, and friends.
Gift Card Purchases and Cash Conversion
As part of the reported financial crimes, the lawsuit accuses Watson of using his company card to purchase gift cards. These gift cards were allegedly presented as employee recognition awards, but according to Daimler’s suit, Watson sold the cards online for cash rather than giving them to employees as intended. This aspect of the case further highlights alleged internal controls failures and workplace fraud within the organization.
Company’s Response and Legal Action
Daimler Trucks North America’s legal action seeks to recover substantial business losses stemming from the alleged internal fraud. The company’s lawsuit outlines a pattern of financial misconduct, ranging from company credit card misuse to embezzlement over a period of several years. The case reflects broader concerns about fraud investigation and the importance of robust internal controls in large organizations.
Ongoing Proceedings
The matter is currently before Multnomah County Circuit Court. As the case proceeds, details from the legal filings may further clarify the extent of the alleged embezzlement and the company’s efforts to strengthen workplace controls. No statements from either the Watsons or Daimler beyond the lawsuit were included in the initial reports.
Source: koin.com.
