Joseph Leon Edminster, Theft of Government Property, Minnesota 2008

A Christmas tree thief with a penchant for pine has finally faced justice. Joseph Leon Edminster, 70, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of black spruce tree tops from the Chippewa National Forest.

Between October 2008 and October 2014, Edminster cut and stole over 2,700 black spruce tree tops from the forest, selling them to wholesalers for use as Christmas decorations. He would sell the tops for $1.50 to $2.50 each to various wholesale vendors, who in turn would sell each top for up to $6 each to retail outlets in Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois.

The retail cost for individual spruce tops ranges from $2.50 to $7.50, depending on the height. Spruce tops are most often sold in bundles of five or 10, depending on the height, with each bundle retailing from $12.99 to $36.99. Since 2008, Edminster stole at least $24,199.50 worth of spruce tops from federal land.

Edminster’s actions were a clear violation of federal law, which prohibits the cutting or damaging of any timber, tree, or other forest product on National Forest land without authorization.

According to the U.S. Forest Service’s Law Enforcement and Investigations division, this case was the result of a thorough investigation into Edminster’s activities.

Assistant United States Attorney Laura Provinzino is prosecuting the case.

Defendant Information:

Joseph Leon Edminster, 70, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Convicted: Theft of government property, 1 count. The defendant’s actions have had a significant impact on the Chippewa National Forest, and it’s only right that he faces the consequences of his actions.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to vigorously pursue those responsible for such acts, dedicating any and all investigative resources needed to bring these matters to a just conclusion.

Black spruce is a North American pine species that is widespread across Canada and the northern United States, including the Great Lakes region. It is found in northern and northeastern parts of Minnesota, extending as far south as northern Anoka County.

The popularity of black spruce tops and other forest products has surged over the last 20 years, with many landscape retailers and some grocery and home improvement stores nationwide selling them as holiday decorations.

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