Daimler Truck North America has filed suit against a former employee and his wife, claiming they stole nearly $3.8 million from the company over five years. The lawsuit involves alleged abuse of corporate payment methods and expense reporting procedures at the commercial vehicle maker.
The complaint, naming Terry S. Watson, a former Daimler employee, and his wife, Krystal Watson, as defendants, was filed Oct. 12 in Washington County Circuit Court in Oregon. Court records show the case, 26CV57242, is still open.
The Oregonian/OregonLive reported Daimler is seeking roughly $6.6 million in damages related to the alleged financial misconduct.
Watson worked in Daimler’s test fleet operations in Portland from 2016 until November 2025. Reports say the company terminated his employment after it detected suspicious financial activity.
The allegations include the use of corporate credit cards and fictitious expense reports to conceal personal spending. Trips to Europe and Las Vegas, visits to Legoland, landscaping work, household services, childcare and restaurant delivery orders were reportedly among them.
The suit also claims that Watson used company fuel cards to buy personal items. He also allegedly arranged for contractors to charge Daimler for construction and landscaping work at his home in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Krystal Watson is also accused of taking part in the scheme. Per KOIN, she allegedly used company credit cards for personal purchases, then gave her husband receipts that were later used in fraudulent expense reports.
FreightWaves has requested the original complaint from Washington County Circuit Court. The publication said it has not independently verified the allegations reported by other media outlets against the original court filing.
Daimler Truck North America, based in Portland, produces commercial vehicles under several brands including Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses.
Why it matters: The lawsuit points to possible weaknesses in internal financial controls at one of North America’s biggest commercial truck makers. The alleged misappropriation of corporate funds over a five-year period raises questions about expense monitoring, payment authorisation and oversight of fleet operations. The allegations remain allegations, and the proceedings are ongoing.
