Defendant sentenced to pay restitution to U.S. Forest Service, probation and community service
Acting United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced the sentencing of JOSEPH LEON EDMINSTER, 70, for stealing thousands of black spruce tree tops from the Chippewa National Forest. EDMINSTER, who pleaded guilty on Jan. 13, 2017, to one count of theft of government property, was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright in St. Paul, Minn.
“People need to understand that taking plants or animals from federal lands is a serious crime punishable by substantial fines and even time in federal prison," Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Provinzino notes. “Mr. Edminster took responsibility for his actions. Had he not, his punishment could have been even more severe. But make no mistake, those who steal from our public lands for personal profit will be held accountable as today’s sentence shows."
“The successful outcome of this case is the result of federal agencies working together to protect the resources of our national forests," said Mary King, special agent in charge for the U.S. Forest Service Eastern Region. “The penalties reflect the seriousness of the crimes committed against our nation’s natural resources, and we hope they will act as a deterrent in the future. Our goal is to dissuade illegal activities from taking place in our forests and serve notice to everyone that Forest Service law enforcement officers are ever vigilant in the service of conservation and public safety."
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, between October 2008 and October 2014, EDMINSTER illegally cut and stole more than 12,000 black spruce tree tops from the Chippewa National Forest. After stealing the tree tops, EDMINSTER sold them to wholesalers and retailers for use as Christmas decorations for approximately $1.50 each. Retailers would then sell the tops to various retail outlets in Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois for up to $6 each. Since 2008, EDMINSTER stole more than $24,000 worth of spruce tops from federal land.
Black spruce is a North American pine species. It is widespread across Canada and the northern United States, including the Great Lakes region. Black Spruce 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 that are used in the seasonal holiday decorative market has surged over the last 20 years. The spruce tops are sold at landscape retailers and some grocery and home improvement stores nationwide.
The cutting or otherwise damaging of any timber, tree or other forest product, to include black spruce is prohibited on National Forest land except as authorized by a special use authorization, timber sale, contract or other federal law or regulation.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Forest Service’s Law Enforcement and Investigations division.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Provinzino.
Defendant Information:
JOSEPH LEON EDMINSTER, 70
Grand Rapids, Minn.
Convicted:
* Theft of government property, 1 count
Sentenced:
*
Three years’ probation
*
$ 24,199.50 in restitution paid to the U.S. Forest Service
*
200 hours community service
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
