An Oakland man was sentenced to three years and four months in jail Thursday for stealing science and math textbooks from Peninsula community colleges, according to San Mateo County prosecutors.

Laurence Lamont Boone, 51, used a pry bar to enter teachers' offices at Foothill College, College of San Mateo and Skyline College, and steal textbooks worth hundreds of dollars each last September, according to District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

Boone was identified as a suspect in the burglaries through campus security cameras. A search of his home turned up numerous textbooks and other stolen items, Wagstaffe said.

Boone, who has numerous prior theft convictions and incarcerations on his record, pleaded no contest on Dec. 10 to three counts of felony burglary, Wagstaffe said. The sentence will be served in San Mateo County Jail and Boone received 190 days credit for time served. He was also ordered to pay restitution, although the total amount has yet to be determined.

— Bay City News Service

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