A federal judge sentenced a Zachary man to 309 years in prison for a number of offenses surrounding the theft of approximately $100,000 while already in prison.

Robert Thompson, 43, who has admitted to the crimes of conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, computer fraud, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, money laundering and obstruction of justice.

Chief U.S. District Judge Ralph E. Tyson handed down the sentence to Thompson for persuading two prison guards and six other people to help him steal identities, money, televisions and electronics while he remained behind bars, say records.

Already imprisoned for financial crimes, Thompson directed the additional schemes while incarcerated East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, East Feliciana Parish Prison and Concordia Parish Prison.

For additional details, see the 2-24-10 edition of the Zachary Plainsman.