A US man charged with stealing original cards and letters written by poet Robert Frost has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in a deal with prosecutors.
The Valley News reports that 44-year-old Tim Bernaby of Vermont accepted the plea deal yesterday on a charge of unlawful taking of personal property. The charge carries a USD 100 fine.
Police say Bernaby took two letters and 13 Christmas cards written by Frost. They say the documents were in a desk donated three years ago to a nonprofit agency where Bernaby worked. He then sold them for more than USD 25,000.
Bernaby says he found the papers in the trash. Most were addressed to Frost's former secretary. A civil case will determine their lawful owner.
