Community theater director staged threatening texts to cancel show, police say

By VDC staff

An investigation into threatening text messages that led to the cancellation of an Essex Community Players production of The Rocky Horror Show has resulted in a Hyde Park man being cited for allegedly making false reports to police.

According to the Essex Police Department, officers began investigating on April 7 after Kenneth Grenier, 26, of Hyde Park, reported receiving a series of threatening and harassing text messages related to his planned production of the musical. Police said the messages were sent through a subscriber-based cellphone application, and because of the nature and unknown source of the threats, the theatrical production was shut down.

Detectives later determined that the IP address used to create the virtual phone numbers sending the messages was registered to Grenier’s home address. During a follow-up interview, police said Grenier admitted creating the account and sending the threatening texts to himself.

According to police, Grenier told investigators he staged the threats so he could step away from directing the production by citing concerns for his personal safety, rather than revealing what he described as ongoing difficulties with the cast and crew.

Grenier was issued a citation to appear on a misdemeanor charge of False Reports to Law Enforcement Authorities. Police said the case has been referred to the Chittenden County Community Justice Center for resolution. Chief Ron Hoague announced the outcome of the investigation Monday, August 4.