Great Lakes Wire

Juan Miguel Rodriguez-Venegas, 55, from Florida, has been sentenced to 2 to 20 years in prison by Judge Stephen P. Carras of the 42nd Circuit Court in Midland County. The sentencing follows his guilty plea to one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise in August. Rodriguez-Venegas was involved in stealing money orders and cash from drop boxes at apartment complexes and mobile home parks. He has also been ordered to pay restitution, with the amount not exceeding $36,235.

“I hope this sentence serves as a deterrent to outside actors who consider coming to Michigan to steal from residents,” stated Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I’m grateful for our partnership with J. Dee Brooks and the Midland County Prosecutor's Office, which enabled us to hold Mr. Rodriguez-Venegas accountable. My department remains committed to using every resource at our disposal to ensure those who commit criminal acts in our state face the consequences for their actions.”

The charges against Rodriguez-Venegas were filed jointly by the Midland County Prosecutor’s Office and the Department of Attorney General in September 2023. The charges included one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, six counts of Larceny in a Building, and one count of Possession of Burglars’ Tools. From 2019 through 2022, Rodriguez-Venegas and his co-defendant Rafael Rodriguez targeted drop boxes at apartment complexes and mobile home parks across Bay, Midland, Oakland, and Saginaw Counties.

“This was a complicated case involving multiple jurisdictions and out-of-state actors,” said Midland County Prosecuting Attorney J. Dee Brooks. “I am again grateful for the partnership between Dana Nessel and the Attorney General’s Office, the Midland Police Department and my office, in working together to hold these defendants accountable for their illegal activities and obtaining justice for the many victims.”

Rafael Rodriguez also pled guilty to one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise in August and is scheduled for sentencing on November 14, 2024, before Judge Michael J. Beale in the same court.

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