It's a case of thief's remorse — more than three decades later.

A man who says he stole a stop sign 35 years ago from a Salt Lake County road has mailed a $600 cashier's check — bearing an illegible signature — to the Utah Department of Transportation.

UDOT spokesman Nile Easton said he received a letter last week signed by "a very foolish youth" apologizing for taking the sign and saying he wanted to set things right.

The letter writer said he prayed no one was injured because of his childish and thoughtless act. He explained that he tried to contact the road department to correct his youthful indiscretion but was told not to worry about it. Even so, he sent the check.

Easton said $600 will almost cover the cost and installation of three stop signs.

— Associated Press