Question for Christians about stealing?

This question is for Christians only please. Someone stole from me and it will be a felony charge. He has begged me and begged me to give him the opportunity to pay it back. Although his word is not any good he agreed to notarize a letter saying he would pay the money back. I am conflicted about this. The risk of me having to take him to court is huge, but I do feel he needs to learn some kind of lesson. Any of you have any advice for me or some bible versus?