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The Villages
Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Man arrested at Best Buy said he tried to steal to pay for drugs

Michael Fortner
Michael Fortner

A 25-year-old man arrested this weekend at Best Buy and wanted in a theft at Target told law enforcement he was in debt over drugs.

Michael Jeffrey Fornter of Summerfield was arrested Friday afternoon at Best Buy when he attempted to force his way past store employees with stolen electronics concealed in his clothing, according to an arrest report from the Lady Lake Police Department. Fortner was forced to the ground by store employees and held down until police arrived.

He had concealed two Kicker AMPs in his clothing. The items were valued at about $600.

Fortner was already wanted in a previous theft case at Target. In that case, Fortner is believed to have stolen an AT&T Go Phone and headphones.

Fortner told police he owed people money for drugs, specifically marijuana and pain pills, and “was stealing items to pay everyone back,” according to the arrest report.

He was arrested on charges of grand theft, resisting recovery of property and simple battery.

He was booked at the Lake County Jail on $6,500 bond.

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