SAN DIEGO - A former postal carrier who admitted stealing DVDs intended for customers on his route was sentenced Friday to three years probation, ordered to do 120 hours of volunteer work and pay $607 in fines.

Brian Dismuke, 43, pleaded guilty earlier this year to misdemeanor grand theft. He was caught taking Netflix DVDs that were supposed to be delivered to people on his Golden Hill route, said Deputy District Attorney Joan Stein.

Judge George W. Clarke noted the defendant had received letters of commendation from former California Gov. Gray Davis and the governor of Illinois during his 22 years in the Navy.

The judge said some of Dismuke's postal supervisors, as well as people on his route, wrote letters on his behalf.

Other than the current offense, Dismuke had a totally "unblemished record," the judge said.

"I don't think any court's going to see you again," the judge told the defendant.

Clarke imposed 180 days in jail but stayed the sentence as long as Dismuke successfully completes probation.

"I feel really bad about what I did," Dismuke told the judge. "You will not see me again, sir."

During his probation, Dismuke cannot work in a job where his primary duty is to deliver packages or mail, the judge said.

Dismuke, a letter carrier for four years, is now a chef at a private care facility, his attorney said.