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Man Accused Of Defrauding Church Congregations

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Members of several Cobb County churches helped police catch a man who was wanted for months, accused of defrauding their congregations.

Marvin Gipson was being held in the Cobb County Jail on Thursday after an e-mail alert and a run-in with officers Wednesday afternoon.

"It was just amazing that he was back doing the same thing in Cobb County. Just a blessing they nailed him quickly," said church member Kurtis Jensen.

Jensen said he had been waiting for seven months to hear about Gipson's arrest.

"To find out after so long that he was nailed, it was a good thing," said Jensen.

Jensen told Channel 2 Action News reporter John Bachman that he met Gipson in February. Jensen said he was outside his Powder Springs church, Trinity Chapel.

"(Gipson) walked up to me, questioned my faith in God, said he was the victim of the floods and that he needed to get money to get to Texas," said Jensen.

Jensen said he gave Gipson $200, a full tank of gas and an extra microwave. But he said Gipson's story didn't check out, and when Gipson tried to come back for more money, Jensen called police. Gipson was charged, but was never caught.

Monday, Jensen said he got an e-mail from the Cobb Faith Partnership, complete with a mugshot about how another church had a Gipson sighting. Police were called and Gipson was arrested.

Jensen said the incident gave him a different view of the world.

"I've tried everything not to be jaded by it, but you're a human being as well," said Jensen.

Gipson was charged with four counts of theft by deception. He remained in jail Thursday morning.