Florida Man Steals Rare Coins, Puts Them Through Grocery Store Change Machine, Police Say

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NORTH PALM BEACH (CBSMiami/AP) — Florida man arrested in Palm Beach County after police say he stole collectible coins worth tens of thousands of dollars, then ran them through grocery store change machines that returned just a fraction of their value.

Shane Mele (Credit: Palm Beach County Jail)

The Palm Beach Post reports 40-year-old Shane Anthony Mele of Riviera Beach told investigators he stole the commemorative presidential dollar coins and other items from a North Palm Beach office in December.

The coins were worth $33,000.

A Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office arrest report says Mele sold some coins for a few thousand dollars, and he ran many through change machines that only produced their face value.

Mele was charged Feb. 1 with grand theft along with unrelated drug charges.

He was released Feb. 4 after posting bond.