[MSN] 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.
Martinez admitted to police that he lit the banner on fire with lighter fluid and a lighter after stealing it from the church, according to court documents.