The perp involved in a crime that took place more than half a century ago has evidently had a change of heart:

The mystery of a portable radio stolen 54 years ago from a Clarke College teacher’s lounge may never be solved, but the anonymous thief has tried to make amends.

Clarke College President Sister Joanne Burrows says she received a letter last week from Chicago with a falsified address. The writer admits taking the portable radio in 1955, and includes five $100 bills in the letter.

The anonymous repentant recalls decades of shame for the theft from the Dubuque Catholic school. The writer asks for forgiveness, saying the money was to be used by current faculty.

Clarke College was in an all-women’s school in 1955. Clarke spokesman Mike Cyze says the lounge where the theft took place was likely part of a building that burned down in 1984.