BRENTWOOD — A Massachusetts man accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of jackets from the Sports Authority in Salem during three separate heists was sentenced one to three years in state prison.

Adam Maksou, 26, of Methuen, Mass., pleaded guilty on Wednesday to two counts of theft by unauthorized taking and a single count of attempted theft by unauthorized taking for stealing North Face jackets.

Maksou took the pricey coats from the Sports Authority in Salem between Dec. 10 and Jan. 31, first leaving his truck running in the fire lane with the driver’s side door partially open for a quick escape, according to prosecutors.

Police said he obscured part of his license plate using duct tape or another material.

Assistant County Attorney Geoffrey Ward told Judge Marguerite Wageling that Maksou’s latest conviction was among a long rap sheet of nearly 20 theft and drug convictions between New Hampshire and Massachusetts dating back to 2003.

Ward said the sentence handed down on Wednesday will be the first time Maksou is being sent to state prison.

Wageling encouraged Maksou to change his ways, because all convictions going forward will likely make him return to state prison instead of county jail.

“It seems to me you apparently have a drug issue,” Wageling said. “I’m not sure if there’s more to it or selfishness on your part. You’ve now graduated to the big time, so I’m hoping somehow someday soon you realize that this isn’t the way to live your life.”

Maksou could have faced up to 7½ to 15 years in state prison on two of the theft charges had he been convicted by a jury.

Police who were investigating the thefts had a near brush with Maksou just before he was arrested on Jan. 31.

Detectives had visited the store to get photos and surveillance video of his earlier thefts on Dec. 10 and 19, police said. Maksou returned two hours later and grabbed a dozen jackets from the store. He was caught by police who were patrolling the area nearby.

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James A. Kimble may be reached at JKimble@newstote.com.JKimble@newstote.com