Great Lakes Wire

Rafael Rodriguez, a 44-year-old resident of Florida, received a sentence ranging from 72 months to 20 years for his involvement in stealing rent checks. The sentence was handed down by Judge Michael J. Beale at the 42nd Circuit Court. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the sentencing, noting that Rodriguez had previously pled guilty to one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise in August. In addition to his prison term, Rodriguez was ordered to pay restitution amounting to $27,284.31.

Rodriguez's accomplice, Juan Miguel Rodriguez-Venegas, aged 56 and also from Florida, was sentenced earlier in September for the same crime. His incarceration term ranges from two to 20 years.

The criminal activities took place between 2019 and 2022 across several counties in Michigan—Bay, Midland, Oakland, and Saginaw—where both men targeted drop boxes at apartment complexes and mobile home parks to steal money orders and cash.

Charges against both individuals were jointly filed by the Midland County Prosecutor’s Office and the Department of Attorney General in March.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel emphasized the importance of protecting residents' hard-earned money from theft: “Michiganders work hard and deserve better than having their rent payments fished out of drop boxes and stolen by criminals.” She credited the partnership with Midland County Prosecuting Attorney J. Dee Brooks for bringing justice to those affected by this scheme.

J. Dee Brooks expressed satisfaction with the successful prosecution of these cases: “We believe that this case sends a strong message that even out-of-state actors will be held responsible for their criminal acts in Michigan." He also extended gratitude towards Detective Mark Stefaniak, the Midland Police Department, Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth Lippitt, and Midland County Assistant Prosecutor Courtney Driscoll for their roles in securing convictions.