A Lancaster County man with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to state prison for his latest convictions, which included retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Thomas Fortis was acting erratically and had a bag of 25 intravenous needles during a reported overdose incident at a local elementary school on June 26, 2019.

Police later charged Fortis will stealing from area stores and having a Samsung tablet which he knew was stolen.

Fortis will serve two to six years in prison, as ordered by Lancaster County Judge Dennis Reinaker.

Fortis, 36, pleaded guilty to counts of retail theft, receiving stolen property and related offenses.

Assistant District Attorney Fritz Haverstick told the judge Fortis has at least 11 separate criminal convictions since 2018.

ADA Haverstick said he had no choice but to request state prison for the non-violent offenses because prior sentences and court orders have not changed Fortis’ behavior.

In court, Fortis said no one would help him with his addiction and mental health issues.

ADA Haverstick countered that by saying Fortis did not even show up at the probation office for intake regarding a previous conviction.

Manheim Township police found Fortis in a playground area of Brecht Elementary School on June 26, 2019. Fortis had 25 needles, spoons, a stolen Samsung tablet, and other items.

In previous days, he stole hundreds of dollars in items from an area Wal-Mart and Walgreens.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright