Zirkle Fruit Employees Charged in Payroll Scheme

Two former bookkeepers with Zirkle Fruit, along with nine family and friends are facing charges of stealing nearly $1 million according to a report in the Tri-City Herald.

Norma Ruth Garza and Maria Teresa Galarza allegedly setup phantom employees that would receive paychecks from the Selah-based company.

The employees would collect paychecks, but do no actual work for Zirkle.

Zirkle Management got suspicious when a Finley manager got 10 paychecks for employees he didn’t have. That sparked an investigation where the scheme was uncovered.

Garza was arrested in California where she is currently being held. According to the Herald, Galarza had a warrant issued for her and her husband after they failed to show up to a court appearance.