Self-confessed Michigan thief returns money 30 years later -- with interest

A self-confessed thief who stole $800 from a Michigan store in the 1980s has reportedly repaid the money in cash — with interest.

An anonymous letter from the burglar, who didn’t specify a motive, containing 12 $100 bills was received by Barry County Undersheriff Bob Baker on Monday, hours after a similar note was received in the newsroom of 24 Hour News 8, the station reports.

In the letters, the author — who said he lived with “this guilt too long” — admitted to breaking into a convenience store just north of Middleville about 30 years ago. Both letters contained no signatures or return addresses.

Police officials were able to track down the owner of the store at the time. He sold the business in 1988, but confirmed it was burglarized sometime in the 1980s. The unidentified man said he was happy to learn of the development, but declined to comment.

"He was shocked just as much as everybody else was, 'cause this just does not happen every day," Baker told the station, adding that authorities are working on returning the funds.

As for criminal charges, the statute of limitations on the crime ran out long ago and the sheriff's department is not interested in reopening the case, Baker said.

"From the legal standpoint, the time has gone by and especially if this has bothered you for 30 years, I think you've suffered enough," he said. "I would say that you've made amends."