Man Stole 125 Pine Trees From Peconic Land Trust Property: Cops

EAST HAMPTON, NY — A Flanders man was arrested after he stole trees from Peconic Land Trust property, police said.

According to East Hampton Town Police, Cesar A. Sarpes-Santos, 46, sometime between Jan. 25 at 3 p.m. and Jan. 26 at 9:26 a.m. on Old Northwest Road, used a shovel to dig up and remove 125 Eastern white pine trees, valued at more than $1,000, from "private, protected land belonging to the Peconic Land Trust." Sarpes-Santos, police said, "admitted to taking the trees himself."

He was arrested and charged with fourth degree grand larceny, value of property greater than $1,000; fourth degree criminal possession of stolen property, property value exceeds $1,000, a felony; and third degree criminal trespass, property fenced in or enclosed, a misdemeanor, police said.

He admitted to being on Peconic Land Trust property, where a sign read "access by permission only;" he had no permission to be there, police said.

Sarpes-Santos was released on his own recognizance and issued an appearance ticket, police said.