A Chester County man blamed a traumatic brain injury and addiction for his months-long crime spree across Lancaster County, which ended in a violent crash, prosecutors announced on Tuesday, Dec. 24.
James Steffy, 41, of West Ridge Road in West Nottingham Township, pleaded guilty to 35 charges, including aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, burglary, theft, and access device fraud, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office.
Steffy suffered a traumatic brain injury that caused significant memory loss after crashing a stolen vehicle head-on into another car in January 2021. Prosecutors said he was under the influence of fentanyl at the time of the crash, which seriously injured the other driver, leaving them with a cracked sternum.
In court, Steffy apologized to the crash victim, blaming his actions on drug and alcohol addiction. His attorney requested a lighter sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison, citing the injury and Steffy’s remorse.
The crimes, which spanned from August 2020 to January 2021, targeted businesses and properties in Lancaster City, Conoy Township, Rapho Township, East Lampeter Township, Manheim Township, and Pequea Township, officials said.