According to District Attorney Michael Jackson, area residents and business owners should now feel more secure because Marvin M. Thomas is off the streets.

Thomas, a former substitute teacher, was convicted of forgery and identity theft, and sentenced to 15 years in prison yesterday.

“He was just living beyond his means – robbing Peter to pay Paul,” said Thomas’ attorney, Collins Pettaway Jr. “It’s going to be a struggle, but hopefully, he’ll come out a better man.”

“He stole his roommate’s identity and opened up some accounts under that name,” said Jackson. “He also opened accounts at People’s Bank and Region’s Bank under the names of other people and wrote checks from these accounts.”

Although Thomas was arrested in July 2003, Jackson said that he had been committing these types of crimes since the early 90’s.

“I don’t know why he was not caught sooner,” said Jackson “Even though these were non-violent offenses, he has been such a big thief over the years that he needs to be sent off.”

Thomas, who has to pay his former roommate over $25,000 in restitution, also faces similar charges in Montgomery County.

“People in Selma are tired of all the thieves and murderers running around,” said Jackson. “It’s time to ship them out.”