NEWS RELEASE
OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
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Juan Miguel Rodriguez-Venegas, 55, of Florida, was sentenced to 2 to 20 years’ incarceration by 42nd Circuit Court Judge Stephen P. Carras in Midland County for stealing money orders and cash out of drop boxes at apartment complexes and mobile home parks, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. He pleaded guilty to one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise in August. Rodriguez-Venegas was ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined but not to exceed $36,235.
“I hope this sentence serves as a deterrent to outside actors who consider coming to Michigan to steal from residents,” Nessel said. “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 Midland County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges jointly with the Department of Attorney General against Rodriguez-Venegas in September 2023. He was charged with one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, six counts of Larceny in a Building, and one count of Possession of Burglars’ Tools. In 2019 and 2022, Rodriguez-Venegas and co-defendant Rafael Rodriguez, 44, of Florida, targeted drop boxes at apartment complexes and mobile home parks in Bay, Midland, Oakland, and Saginaw Counties to steal money orders and cash.
“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, who also pleaded guilty to one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise in August, will be sentenced in front of Judge Michael J. Beale in the 42nd Circuit Court on Nov. 14.
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