MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Two Florida men are accused of stealing money orders and cash from drop boxes at apartment complexes and mobile home parks.
Rafael Rodriguez and Juan Miguel Rodriguez-Venegas have been charged by the Midland County Prosecutor’s Office and the Michigan Attorney General with Conducting a Criminal Enterprise (CCE) and six counts of Larceny in a Building.
The two men are accused of taking money orders and cash out of drop boxes and then cashing the money orders and keeping the cash. Prosecutors said the crimes happened in 2019 and 2022.
Rodriguez is also facing two charges of uttering and publishing. Rodriguez-Venegas was charged with possession of burglar’s tools.
Under the CCE charge, predicate acts include:
- Six instances of Larceny in a Building in Midland County;
- One instance of Larceny in a Building in Bay County;
- Four instances of Larceny in a Building in Oakland County; and
- Two instances of Larceny in a Building in Saginaw County.
Rodriguez was arraigned on March 15, 2024, in Midland County. He is expected back in court on March 26, 2024, for a probable cause conference. Rodriguez-Venegas was arraigned on Feb. 5, 2024, and has a probable cause conference set for April 9, 2024. Both cases are before Judge Michael Carpenter in the 75th District Court.