Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – A Foley, Alabama man has been arrested on charges of sexually abusing a child under 12 years old after an investigation by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). Marcus Hunter Thomas, 36, was identified as the suspect in a case involving repeated abuse over the past year in Baldwin County.

The investigation began in January 2025 when Elberta Police requested assistance from BCSO. After forensic interviews with the victim and a review of evidence, authorities determined there was probable cause to arrest Thomas. However, Thomas could not initially be located for questioning.

On February 11, 2025, the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force apprehended Thomas in Escambia County, Florida. During an interview with BCSO investigators, Thomas confessed to the abuse. He faces charges of first-degree sodomy and sexual abuse of a child under 12 and is awaiting extradition to Baldwin County.

BCSO expressed gratitude to its partners, including the U.S. Marshals Task Force, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center, and Alabama Department of Human Resources, for their assistance in the case.