TAMPA — Deputies say Keith Lukas called sheriff's dispatchers nearly 3,000 times in a year-and-a-half, each time harassing and belittling them. On Tuesday, he was convicted on one count of making "repeated harassing phone calls," the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says.

It was the conclusion that deputies were hoping to see. They filed a complaint with prosecutors after being inundated by calls from Lukas to a non-emergency line between May 2012 and December 2013.

Deputies say the calls were abusive. Lukas would complain about how he was mistreated by deputies in the past. He'd use vulgar language and belittle the dispatchers.

The calls would continue until he hung up or dispatchers would disconnect after determining there was no need for police or medical help, deputies said. Lukas would often call back repeatedly in one day. He'd ramble or continue to be abusive, according to the Sheriff's Office.

On Tuesday, deputies say, Lukas, 43, of South Tampa, pleaded no contest in court and was sentenced to probation.

As part of his probation terms, he cannot call the Sheriff's Office unless he has a legitimate need for law enforcement or medical services.