Colorado inmate facing 24 years for allegedly falsely reporting hair in jail food

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo., Aug. 12 (UPI) -- A Colorado inmate is facing an additional 24 years behind bars after he allegedly falsely reported finding a hair in his food.

Ray Wolfe claimed he found a hair in the beef stroganoff he was served at the Summit County Jail, prompting a full investigation by the Summit County Sheriff's Office.

"I just assumed that someone was messing with me," Wolfe told CBS Denver. "I just wanted a new tray."

During the inquiry, investigators discovered surveillance video that appears to show Wolfe tampering with his own tray.

"As seen in the reflection in the windows, Wolfe stands at the drinking fountain with his tray for approximately eight seconds," according to a report about the incident. "During this time Wolfe can be seen making small movements with his arms and hands. It is with these movements and during this time I believe Wolfe placed the hair found on top of the food in his meal tray."

The 37-year-old was transferred to Park County Jail and charged with three felonies, including tampering with physical evidence and false reporting. He is also charged with three habitual criminal sentence enhancements.

A three-day jury trial will determine Wolfe's guilt and how much, if any, additional jail time he will be sentenced to serve.

"I would probably go hungry if I knew I was even going to be charged," Wolfe said.