Mass. man gets 5 years in Ocean Spray theft

BOSTON – A Massachusetts man who stole more than $1 million from Ocean Spray Cranberries, then set off a two-day Coast Guard search when he faked his own disappearance in California, has been sentenced to five years in prison.

James Repetto, of Sandwich, was arrested in Yuma, Ariz., on March 2, five days after a friend told lifeguards in San Diego that he didn't return from a 2-mile swim.

At the time, the former Ocean Spray plant manager was awaiting sentencing on fraud charges for a scheme that cost the Lakeville-based company $1.3 million.

A federal judge sentenced Repetto Wednesday, following the recommendation of prosecutors.

Repetto apologized to his family, friends and Ocean Spray employees. An Ocean Spray vice president called Repetto's actions "unfathomable."