EVERETT — A man accused of stealing about $450,000 from grocery store coin-counting machines in three states was sentenced Thursday to two years in prison.
Michael Burns, 41, of Maple Valley, was accused of wearing his Coinstar Inc. uniform when he walked into stores and used inside knowledge as an employee to break into the kiosks, prosecutors said.
The machines convert loose change into cash.
Burns was accused of using the money to buy diamonds, a motorcycle and high-end electronics. Prosecutors also alleged that he used about $80,000 in stolen money for a down payment on a house.
Burns pleaded guilty to eight counts of first-degree theft last month. He had no prior felony convictions.
Burns apologized on Thursday. His attorney told the judge that Burns has cooperated with investigators and Coinstar Inc. He was the only one charged with crimes even though others were involved, defense attorney Lennard Nahajski said.
The judge ordered Burns to pay back about $121,000 — the money he stole from kiosks in Snohomish County.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
