A community Christmas tree was stolen from the Readstown village park in the early morning hours of November 26.  

At the time of the theft, the decorated Christmas tree was sitting in a village gazebo at the park in the business area of Readstown, according to the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department. The tree stand, which was left at the scene, was damaged.  A note left at the scene of the theft stated, “The Grinch was here.” 

Jerry Wilder Jr., 19,  Readstown, was interviewed by the sheriff department on Friday, Dec. 5 and confessed to stealing the Christmas tree. 

Charges were referred to the Vernon County District Attorney Office. 

The case is still under investigation by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department and the Readstown Police Department.