Marion man gets two years for theft

David A. Phelps, 53, of Marion, pleaded guilty to theft by deception Monday in Williamson County Circuit Court, and was sentenced to two years in the Department of Corrections.

Not to be confused with the former congressman by the same name, police said this Phelps approached a person in Marion on March 10, 2016 asking for money to assist with his ailing wife in St. Louis.

The following day, he approached the same person asking for more money, stating that his wife had died.

None of the story turned out to be true, according to state's attorney Brandon Zanotti.

Phelps was charged with theft by deception, a Class 3 felony.

Phelps has a criminal history, including past forgery convictions.

"We are seeing more and more cases like this where unscrupulous people try to scam innocent folks, especially seniors, out of money by telling lies," Zanotti said.

"If you believe you are the victim of such a crime, please contact law enforcement immediately."</group><group id="20A35221-FE71-494D-87CD-A8D8F90547BD" type="seoLabels">