A Selma man is in jail following a month-long investigation at the Selma Hampton Inn.

Rufus Ford, 44, was arrested Thursday on charges of first-degree theft of property and fraudulent use of a credit or debit card. Ford’s total bond was set at $200,000.

Lt. Curtis Muhannad, with the Selma Police Department, said the investigation began on Feb. 14.

In a release, Muhannad said Ford allegedly embezzled between $50,000 and $100,000 from his previous employer — The Hampton Inn of Selma.

Ford was previously the general manager of the Selma Hampton Inn.

A police statement said Ford used his position with the hotel to make charges on the hotel’s account for personal reasons, including renting lodging at his own rates.

Police said he is believed to have also allowed certain patrons to rent rooms at discounted rates, without the owner’s knowledge.

Ford was taken into custody Thursday in Marion, at The Sleep Inn, where he is currently the manager.

Ford, in addition to having been a previous columnist for the Times-Journal, was a candidate in 2012 for Selma City Council president.