CRAWFORD COUNTY, Mich. – A Michigan man is facing felony charges in connection with stealing from payment collection sites at state forest campgrounds, officials said.
Andrew William Michalak, 54, of Grayling, was arraigned on the charges of safe breaking and possession of burglary tools, according to a release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
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The 54-year-old is accused of stealing from payment collection sites, which are also called “pay pipes.” This is where campers deposit cash at campgrounds.
DNR conservation officers and deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office arrested Michalak on May 22 after an extensive investigation that spanned multiple years.
During the investigation, officials learned that thefts were typically taking place during high-traffic periods.
They identified Michalak as the suspect, and during a coordinated traffic stop on his vehicle, conservation officers recovered stolen cash and burglary tools.
Michalak allegedly told conservation officers he used a special tool and an electronic device to take the money from two pay pipes at state campgrounds. He also admitted to committing similar thefts across the area earlier in the year.
He was arrested and taken to the Crawford County Jail. On Friday, May 23, he was arraigned in 87-C District Court.