Fort Wayne Dollar General Employee Accused of Stealing $8,000 Via Cash App Transfers

Fort Wayne, Indiana – A 21-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly stealing $8,000 from a Dollar General store in Fort Wayne using the mobile payment platform Cash App, according to the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD).

The suspect, identified as Nian Young, reportedly used the app to transfer money directly from the store’s register to his personal Cash App account over a span of approximately three weeks, police said.

Internal audit flagged suspicious activity

The incident came to light after the store’s Regional Asset Protection Manager at the Dollar General location on Bluffton Road conducted an internal investigation and alerted authorities. Officers responded to the scene around 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, following the report of suspected internal theft.

Upon questioning, Young allegedly admitted to the transactions and was subsequently arrested on a charge of felony theft.

“This was a methodical use of digital payment platforms to misappropriate store funds,” said a source familiar with the investigation.

Use of digital tools in workplace theft raises concerns

The use of peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps like Cash App in employee theft cases has been a growing concern among retailers and loss prevention specialists. These platforms, while offering convenience, can also serve as discreet channels for unauthorized transfers, particularly in businesses where security systems or auditing protocols are not tightly enforced.

Retailers have been increasingly encouraged to implement strict digital transaction policies and audit controls to monitor in-store payment technology usage, especially in stores that allow mobile payment access near registers.

Legal proceedings underway

The case remains under investigation by the Fort Wayne Police Department in collaboration with the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office. If convicted, Young could face significant penalties under Indiana’s felony theft statutes, which typically apply to stolen amounts exceeding $750.

No formal charges had been filed as of Saturday morning, but prosecutors are expected to review the case early next week.