Man Gets Prison For Identity Theft Involving Mail Stolen From 50 People

HOLLAND, Mich. (AP) - A man arrested by police in western Michigan for trying to empty a coffee shop tip jar has been sentenced to prison for identify theft involving mail stolen from at least 50 people in the Holland area.

WZZM-TV reports federal investigators say Tracy Rudisel stole mail by picking locks at a commercial postal facility. He was also accused of illegally having social security information for five people and other documents.

The 49-year-old was sentenced Monday to 39 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $1,440 in restitution. WOOD-TV reports Rudisel pleaded guilty in February to identity theft and possession of stolen mail.

The mail thefts took place between December 2013 and February 2014. Holland police found letters in his backpack when they arrested him in the tip jar theft.

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