Michigan Man Accused Of Stealing Mail, Forging Checks Enters Plea

KALAMAZOO (AP) - A man who authorities say stole mail sent to western Michigan residents and used forged bank account checks and credit card convenience checks to get cash has entered a plea deal.

Court records say 32-year-old Zachary Stephen Thomas of Holland pleaded guilty Monday to aggravated identity theft, a felony punishable by up to 2 years in prison. Other charges in the case will be dropped. Sentencing is Nov. 21.

The Holland Sentinel reports he's agreed to cooperate with investigators.

Thomas was earlier charged with mail theft and bank fraud. Police recovered about 1,000 pieces of mail in a garbage container behind a Saugatuck gas station.

Authorities say Thomas began stealing mail in December in Holland. They say he deposited forged checks and withdrew cash before the bank noticed the fraud.

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