A 21-year-old New Baltimore gas station clerk was charged Wednesday with embezzling at least $60,000 from her employer, police said Thursday.

Taylor Klein faces a 15-year felony of embezzlement between $50,000 to $100,000 and a one-year misdemeanor of marijuana possession. Klein was arraigned in 42-2 District Court and placed on a $5,000 cash/surety bond, according to New Baltimore Police Chief Tim Wiley.

On Dec. 17 police responded to a report of $10,000 to $15,000 missing from the Sunoco Gas Station safe from over the weekend. Investigators checked surveillance footage and identified Klein as the suspect. The owner reviewed records for the past three months and determined $60,000 was unaccounted for, Wiley said.

Detectives picked her up from the gas station on 23 Mile and questioned her the following day. A search warrant was executed at her New Baltimore apartment, recovering more than $50,000 and marijuana. The money is being held while the gas station owner provides documentation for it, police said.

The gas station owner, who was shocked to learn of the theft, is known among his employees for his generosity and kindness, often helping out workers when times are tough. Investigators believe Klein fished money out of the top of a safe through the deposit slip, Wiley said.

"I just find it disheartening taking advantage of your boss that way," he said.

He credits New Baltimore detectives for their extensive work on the case.