BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — A 56-year-old ex-convict says he purposely got arrested for shoplifting to get prison health care for his leukemia.

Frank Morrocco of Amherst tells The Buffalo News  that he stole shoelaces and other items from Wegman's as "an act of desperation" because he can't afford health care. He was released from federal prison a year ago after serving 20 years on drug charges. He was getting cancer treatment as an inmate.

Now he's having second thoughts about shoplifting his way back to prison, because a relative and two friends say they'll pay for his health insurance.

Federal marshals told Morrocco Friday that they have a warrant for his arrest. He says he'll turn himself in on Monday. The judge will decide whether to send him to prison for violating parole.