ADA TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A December power outage at Forest Hills Central High School led authorities to a man who is now facing multiple charges for illegally cutting down valuable black walnut trees across West Michigan.
Brandon Richard Genther, 44, of Lowell, is accused of two separate incidents of timber theft in Ada Township, where he allegedly took black walnut trees valued at over $1,000. The first theft took place on property near Forest Hills Central High School, and the second occurred at Chief Hazy Cloud Park in January. Black walnut trees, prized for their high-quality wood, can fetch thousands of dollars, with a 10-foot section of high-grade walnut reaching prices up to $5,000, according to industry experts.
The surge in tree thefts has become a growing problem in the region. Local law enforcement officials have noted similar incidents in surrounding counties, including Van Buren, Cass, and Berrien. Sheriff Daniel Abbott of Van Buren County remarked that his office has dealt with several such thefts recently, with more cases likely in the future. “We’ve been getting them right and left around here,” Abbott said. “We have two or three pending in the court system and more are likely.”
In December, Genther’s involvement was uncovered after a black walnut tree he cut down fell across powerlines, causing an outage at Forest Hills Central High School. Deputies responded to the scene on December 10, where they learned the tree had been felled without the property owner’s permission. Nearby security cameras captured footage of a white Ford F-150 pulling a flatbed trailer into the woods behind the school, where Genther allegedly cut down the tree.
Further investigation revealed Genther’s connection to a logging firm in Barry County that specializes in black walnut. The company’s owner told detectives that Genther had been selling him black walnut logs for about a year and had sold him a section of black walnut on December 11. The owner also recalled a conversation in which Genther admitted to cutting down a tree in the dark and accidentally hitting a powerline.
The case took another turn when Genther was linked to a second theft on January 4, at Chief Hazy Cloud Park, a 122-acre property along the Grand River. Deputies responded to a report of illegal tree cutting at 5:30 a.m., where they found Genther with his vehicle and trailer, attempting to load a massive section of black walnut. The section, which measured 2 feet in diameter and 15 feet in length, was valued between $1,500 and $2,000.
Timber theft is becoming a notable trend in the region. Experts like Justin Kohn, owner of Monster Tree Removal in Grand Rapids, highlight the allure of black walnut trees for thieves. “It’s the most desirable… It has the highest demand and the highest value because it has a beautiful color when you cut into it,” Kohn explained. “The color is one of the more desirable aspects of it. It’s easy to work with, it sands down well, it’s lighter than other species like oak for furniture making.”
Genther now faces two felony charges of larceny of trees and shrubs, each carrying a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. He is also dealing with additional felony charges in a separate case, including criminal sexual conduct and assault with intent to do great bodily harm. Genther is currently being held in Kent County Jail, with court appearances scheduled for Wednesday.
Authorities say the rise in timber thefts may be linked to the drop in scrap metal prices, which could be pushing thieves toward other forms of valuable property, like trees. As the trend continues to spread, law enforcement officials are urging residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving timber theft.
