Florida man Rafael Rodriguez, 44, pleaded guilty today to one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison, in Michigan’s 42nd Circuit Court in Midland County. The plea is related to a series of rent thefts across the eastern half of the state, according to an announcement by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
As part of the plea agreement, Rodriguez has agreed to pay $36,235 in restitution.
His co-defendant, Juan Miguel Rodriguez-Venegas, 55, also of Florida, pleaded guilty earlier this month to the same charge and has likewise agreed to a restitution order of $36,235.
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Between 2019 and 2022, the two men targeted apartment complexes and mobile home parks in Bay, Midland, Oakland, and Saginaw counties, stealing money orders and cash from rent drop boxes.
“Michiganders work hard and deserve better than having their rent payments stolen by criminals,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Thanks to our collaboration with Midland County Prosecuting Attorney J. Dee Brooks, these perpetrators will be held accountable and required to compensate their victims.”
The Midland County Prosecutor’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office jointly brought the charges in March.
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“We are very pleased with the successful prosecution of these cases, which demonstrates that even out-of-state offenders will be held responsible for their crimes in Michigan,” said Midland County Prosecuting Attorney J. Dee Brooks. “Special thanks go to Det. Mark Stefaniak and the Midland Police Department, as well as other involved agencies, for their excellent work, and to Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth Lippitt and Midland County Assistant Prosecutor Courtney Driscoll for their dedication in prosecuting this case.”
Rafael Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Michael J. Beale on November 14, 2024, while Juan Miguel Rodriguez-Venegas will face sentencing by Judge Stephen P. Carras on September 26, 2024.
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