‘Bad Santa’ arrested on Christmas Eve for stalking and harassing neighbor

PALATKA, Fla. (Gray News) – A “bad Santa” was arrested while wearing a Santa suit on Christmas Eve for allegedly stalking and harassing his neighbor, authorities say.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said officers responded to a residence in Palatka, Florida, shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday after a man reported his neighbor was harassing him.

Neil Champagne was arrested for stalking and harassing his neighbor.(Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

The victim reported that his neighbor continually stalked and harassed him, writing “derogatory” messages in his driveway, threatening him, and yelling at him.

Neil Champagne, 51, was arrested and taken to the Putnam County Jail on a misdemeanor charge of first-degree stalking.

“This is not exactly the best behavior for someone wearing a Santa suit,” the sheriff’s office said.

Over the past two months, deputies responded “more than 60 times” to the same residence due to continued harassment, according to authorities.