A former payroll officer for a south metro carwash has been charged with writing hundreds of unauthorized checks to herself that totaled at least $334,000.

Connie M. Rogers, 46, of Apple Valley, told the operators of Eagan-based Paradise Car Wash that she stole from them to pay for health insurance and medical bills, according to the 10-count criminal complaint filed Friday in Dakota County District Court.

According to the complaint:

The carwash owner detected payroll discrepancies in December and suspected Rogers was writing checks to herself on a weekly basis totaling 423 in number for about $375,000. The owner confronted Rogers, who initially denied his allegation but later admitted to stealing from him from 2007 through most of 2012. She said she hoped to pay back the money.

Eagan police were able to verify about $334,000 in fraudulent bank deposits made by Rogers.

Rogers was convicted in 2005 in Dakota County of misdemeanor unemployment fraud. In this latest case, she remains free on bail pending a court appearance on June 24.

Along with its outlet in Eagan, Paradise also runs two carwashes in Bloomington, two in Savage and another in Apple Valley.

Paul Walsh