That's not a bad sentence to endure for all the gain he had.  Guys who rob banks with a note get 18 months and maybe they took $2,000.    The way I'd look at it is each month in prison is worth about $100,000 in thefts.  You only have to pay restitution if you have the ability to do so and most convicted felons at his age don't have a high earning potential.  So, here is an example of crime pays.  If he stashed some of the stolen money in cash he could do very well after his release.  I'd say the attorneys did a good job negotiating this deal.  My sympathies to the victims.