WASHINGTON, Feb 3, (Agencies): A former FedEx driver in Alabama, who discarded $40,000 worth of customers' packages on the roadside, will now face a reduced financial penalty for his actions.

The incident transpired between Nov 17 and Nov 24, 2021, involving Deandre Rayshaun Charleston, a 22-year-old resident of Adamsville at the time. Charleston, who admitted to sheriff's office investigators that he didn't wish to complete the deliveries, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge — specifically, one count of fourth-degree theft of property, according to records from the Blount County Courthouse.

Initially facing five counts of cargo theft, Charleston had four charges dismissed. The court has now mandated him to pay a $805 fine for the single count of fourth-degree property theft.

Charleston's attorney, Brett Bloomston, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "We are very pleased that the D.A.'s Office in Blount County considered all the evidence and, more importantly, the circumstances of Deandre's life and his personal situation." Bloomston emphasized Charleston's positive actions since the incident, highlighting his potential for a non-custodial sentence and a promising future.