Probation given to Groton letter carrier in theft

HARTFORD, Conn.—A federal prosecutor says a former Groton letter carrier has been given probation for stealing cash and gift cards from the mail.

Fifty-year-old Angel Cordero had pleaded guilty in June to one count of delaying and destroying mail involving people on his route.

Officials say Cordero has admitted that beginning in April of 2007 he stole mail by opening envelopes and removed cash and gift cards from those envelopes.

A Hartford federal judge Thursday sentenced Cordero to five years probation and ordered him to pay a fine of more than $8,000. Cordero is also required to pay $225 in restitution.