ARLINGTON, Va. β After months of repeatedly replacing Pride flags outside their Arlington home, police have charged two men with repeatedly ripping down the flags multiple times.
According to the Arlington County Police Department's Property Crimes Unit, 20-year-old Matthew Henshaw, of Fort Myer, Virginia, and 23-year-old Joseph Digregorio, of Bay Shore, New York, have been charged in connection to the ripped flags.
The first flag was stolen on September 16 but it wouldn't be the last time. In fact, the homeowners had their Pride flags taken five times in five months. WUSA9 first spoke with Jenna Burnett and Michelle Logan in December after the third time their flag was stolen.
"We looked at the Ring camera and it was just like a male and his two friends and he was wearing a cowboy hat and we were like huh that's interesting so we put up another pride flag," the two explained.
By January, the couple had five flags stolen in five months.
"It's more than just a flag, it's representing a bigger deal. It's people who really don't understand and don't tolerate. Whether it's a hate crime or wanting to show your friends how funny it is, it's not funny. It's violating. It's disturbing. Just leave us alone," said Logan.
Police say between evidence and witness interviews, they were able to identify Henshaw and Digregorio. They have not said if the two men know each other.
Henshaw has been charged with three counts of unlawful entry - via motivated and three counts of petit larceny in connection to the Pride flag thefts on Sept. 16, Sept. 30 and Jan. 27. He has since been released on a secured bond.
Digregorio was charged with one count of petit larceny for the theft on Jan. 21. He has since been released on a summons.
Days after their arrest, WUSA9 confirmed with the U.S. Army that the two men are active duty soldiers assigned to Joint Base Meyer-Henderson Hall. Both are members of the 3d Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).
"We recognize the value of diversity and equality, and the actions of those involved do not represent the values and character of The Old Guard or our Army," the Army said in a statement. "We will continue to work with the Arlington County Police Department throughout this ongoing investigation."
WUSA9 reached out to Jenna Burnett and Michelle Logan after the arrests were announced and received the following statement:
βWe feel extremely thankful to be surrounded by such supportive friends, family, neighbors, and the community who have helped us get through these past few months. Itβs not lost on us how incredibly lucky we have it compared to a lot of other people, but hope this helps spread a bit more empathy and understanding. If youβre able to, please consider donating to an LGBTQ+ non-profit of your choice.β
This remains an active investigation and police ask anyone with information to contact detectives at 703-228-4180 or ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
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