A federal judge in Tacoma on Monday sentenced a 35-year-old Oregon man to 26 months in prison for a series of car break-ins at Mount Rainier National Park two years ago.
U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle also ordered Matthew J. Mortinson to pay more than $7,000 in restitution.
“You can’t understand the impact on the victims of your conduct,” Settle told Mortinson. “It is a serious interference with the quality of their lives.”
National Park Service investigators said Mortinson and Pamela N. Williams broke into 16 cars parked at various trailheads in May and June 2010. They stole computers, purses, wallets, backpacks and other items. They used credit cards taken in the thefts to make unauthorized purchases, authorities said.
Mortinson pleaded guilty in June to one count each of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. Williams, 25, pleaded guilty in December and was sentenced to two years in prison.
adam.lynn@thenewstribune.com
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