Credit card thief adds to prison time

A man who’s earliest parole date isn’t until 2029, was sentenced to an additional 19 months in prison Monday.

Matthew Raymond Marizza, 30, was sentenced on four felonies involving two thefts from the Topsy Walmart amounting to $2,380.

According to court documents Marizza was identified as the user of a credit card believed to have been stolen from a ski resort in the winter of 2021. The card was used on Feb. 7, 2021, to purchase $1,370 in merchandise and again Feb. 8, 2021, to buy two $500 gift cards.

Marizza has a long criminal history including burglary, grand larceny, possession of other people’s credit cards, and burglary of a business dating back to 2016.

He was also the subject of regional news stories after he and Cody Abernathy escaped from an inmate work program at the Carson City Jail on June 26, 2021.

While incarcerated, he has achieved his high school diploma, and has taken steps to further his education, address his lifestyle and make changes.

“I’m serving my second time in prison, and I don’t want to come back again,” said Marizza. “I never thought I’d lose 10 years of my life, but I did, and I want to make sure I don’t come back.”

Douglas County District Judge Thomas Gregory said Marizza’s efforts while incarcerated has made in impact on his sentencing decision.

“I admire your attitude and using your time wisely while incarcerated,” said Gregory.

Marizza was sentenced to 19-48 months on all four counts of burglary of a business and fraudulent use of a credit card, which will be served simultaneously with his current sentence, as well as any additional pending charges. Marizza is currently serving 11-30 years on three Carson City cases.