A man has been imprisoned for burning an LGBTQ flag that was flying at a church in central Iowa.
Adolfo Martinez, 30, of Ames, was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years for the hate crime of arson.
He was also given a year for reckless use of explosives or fire and 30 days for harassment. The sentences are to be served consecutively, Story County court records said.
He was found guilty of a hate crime, which is a class D felony, third-degree harassment, and reckless use of fire last month.
Police allege he stole the flag that hung at Ames United Church of Christ at 217 6th St. It was found burning on June 11 outside Dangerous Curves Gentlemans Club, 111 5th St, Des Moines Register reported.
Martinez told police he had ripped the flag down and had set it ablaze with lighter fluid because he is against homosexuality.
Martinzez gave an incoherent interview to KCCI Des Moines in November in which he claimed he was guilty of the charges.
He declined to give his side of the story and said: It is my honor, it is written, it is a judgement and it is written to execute vengeance on the heathen and punishments upon the people.
It is my honor to do so, and it is an honor to that. It is a blessing from the Lord, plain and simple.
Poster Comment:
16 YEARS FOR BURNING A FLAG THAT WAS NOT NEAR ANY GAY PERSON?
#1: ghostdogtxn To: Horse (#0)
ghostdogtxn posted on 2019-12-19 21:08:33 Reply Private Reply
#2: DWornock To: Horse (#0)
DWornock posted on 2019-12-20 00:57:51 Reply Private Reply
#3: Darkwing To: Horse (#0)
Darkwing posted on 2019-12-20 14:55:18 Reply Private Reply
#4: Esso To: Darkwing, 4um (#3)
I assume you meant, "Sorry, gay issue. I don't want to repeat your felonious use of the "F" word, but in the original spirit of your post, yes, a sorry commentary for a once God-fearing, Christian nation.
Ah, Hell, I said the evil "C" word. Sorry.
Esso posted on 2019-12-20 18:26:42 Reply Private Reply
#5: Esso To: ghostdogtxn, 4um (#1)
Yeah, but then again, being a white male, or "master of your castle" wasn't a felony either, a VERY short time ago.
Toxic White Males Unite! WOLVERINES!
Esso posted on 2019-12-20 18:32:40 Reply Private Reply