Vestal Man Tries to Eat Christmas Card Evidence

A Vestal man, described as a career criminal is back in jail, accused of stealing from unlocked vehicles in the Town of Union, including a Christmas card containing $200 that he concealed in his underwear.

Broome County Sheriff’s officials say 27 year old Duncan Kent is accused of going through vehicles on Boswell Hill Road, Shale Drive and Schuyler Street.

Deputies responded to assist New York State Police shortly before 9 a.m. December 28 on a report of a suspicious man going through back yards and vehicles in the area.

When Sheriff’s Sergeant Thomas Williams saw Kent, the suspect started running through cow pastures before being apprehended by officers after a quarter mile chase.

Authorities say they believe Kent had been dropped off in the area by a vehicle.

He was found in possession of stolen property, including the Christmas card that was discovered while Kent was in a holding cell at the Broome County Jail.

Officers say Kent ripped up the card, tried to eat the card’s envelope that had the victim’s name and address on it, pocketed the money and claimed it was a gift from his mom.

Kent is charged with three counts of petit larceny, resisting arrest, criminal possession of stolen property, conspiracy and felony tampering with evidence.