HOUSTON -- A Harris County Sheriff's Department union leader filed an appeal Tuesday after he was found guilty in a telemarketing scam that used the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation name, News2Houston reported.

Deputy Ed Christensen, a Harris County jailer, was found guilty of felony theft Monday. The judge sentenced him to four years probation and a $1,000 fine.

Prosecutors said Christensen, 52, authorized telemarketing activity that netted $250,000 between 1998 and 2000. Donors were told that the money would be going to the Toys for Tots program.

"The Marine Corps had no knowledge or participation or affiliation with this solicitation and never really received any contributions or toys for children," Assistant District Attorney Russell Turbeville said.

It took jurors less than two hours to reach the verdict, which carried a sentence of probation or up to two years in prison.

Christensen took the witness stand in the punishment phase of the trial. He hoped to convince the judge to give him probation.

Some supporters showed up at the courthouse, but wanted to remain anonymous.

"I don't think Ed had any hand in the cookie jar. He doesn't look the type that would do something like that. I really don't think so," an unidentified supporter said.

Jurors said the evidence against Christensen was overwhelming.

"The defense was not able to prove that Mr. Christensen did give money and/or toys to the Toys for Tots Foundation until after the raid occurred and until after the rest of the board learned of the money that was being raised for Toys for Tots," said Shelley Shelton, a juror.

Prosecutors said Christensen pocketed thousands of dollars and used it to pay bills.