Iowa man sentenced to 16 years for setting LGBTQ flag on fire
Iowa,Hate Crimes,1st Amendment,Arson,Free Speech,LGBTQ Issues
From the Center
AllSides Media Bias Rating: Center
An Ames man was sentenced Wednesday to about 16 years in prison after he set fire to a church's LGBTQ flag in June.
Adolfo Martinez, 30, of Ames, was found guilty last month of third-degree arson in violation of individual rights — hate crime, third-degree harassment, and reckless use of fire as a habitual offender.
He was arrested after stealing a pride banner hanging at Ames United Church of Christ, 217 6th St., and burning it early June 11 outside Dangerous Curves Gentleman’s Club, 111 5th St., police said.
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