An Orcas Island man who snatched a bag containing $523 in donations while working for food in the kitchen of the American Legion in September was sentenced to 20 days in jail after pleading guilty to misdemeanor theft.

On April, 18, Ryan Clink, 26, pleaded guilty in San Juan County Superior Court to one count of third-degree theft, a gross misdemeanor, and was ordered to pay $750 in fines and fees, and $523 in restitution. He was credited with having already served the 20-day jail sentence handed down by the court.

Clink was initially charged with second-degree theft, a Class C felony, following his arrest in February. Prosecutors noted that he promised to reimburse the Legion and pay all debts in recommending the 20-day jail term.

According to court documents, Clink had asked for and was given an impromptu job working for food at the Legion and was in the kitchen the night of a Sept. 28 fundraiser when the bank bag containing $523 in cash and checks disappeared. He was later arrested on theft charges after deputies reportedly recovered several bank receipts and two used check books belonging to the Legion from his car.

A gross misdemeanor, third-degree theft carries maximum penalties of one year in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both. Second-degree theft carries maximum penalties of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. In addition to repayment of fines, fees and restitution, Clink was ordered to serve two years of probation.