Police: Man stole on way out of jail

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SANTA FE, N.M., Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Authorities in New Mexico said a man being released from jail allegedly swiped $80 on his way out of the facility and used the cash to buy lunch.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office said Frank Rodriguez-Tapia, 20, was released from jail Friday and a security camera recorded him taking $80 in cash that belonged to another inmate who was being booked into the jail, KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, reported Wednesday.

Rodriguez-Tapia was supposed to report directly to the electronic monitoring office, but on the way he stopped for lunch at Blake's Lotaburger, investigators said.

Sheriff's Lt. William Pacheco said Rodriguez-Tapia admitted to the theft when he arrived at the electronic monitoring office and turned over the remaining $67. He is now facing a larceny charge.

"You would think after three of four times in jail, you would take to heart why you're in there, maybe try to change your behavior," Pacheco said.