A homeless man accused of burning American flags and grave markers at a Bristol Township cemetery waived his right to a preliminary hearing in a court appearance on the final day of June.
Through his Public Defender Troy Moore, at a court appearance before District Judge Terrence Hughes, decided to proceed to a jury trial at the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas during his June 30 court appearance.
During the hearing the district attorney’s office withdrew one charge – public/private mutilation of the flag.
The remaining charges of institutional vandalism to a place of worship, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness will be forwarded to a trial date.
Moore, according to Bristol Township Police, set fire to several items under a tree at 7300 New Emilie United Baptist Church, in the area of the cemetery, in Levittown. A tipster called in the incident, according to police on June 2.
Upon arrival, police observed a small fire under a tree in the rear of the cemetery. There were several items burning including flags and veteran grave markers. A fire company had to be dispatched to put the fire out.
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Upon checking the area further, police observed Moore near grave stones in another area of the cemetery. He was carrying flags and grave pieces and was walking toward the arresting police officer Ken Margerum.
Moore was told to come over and drop the items which he did not comply with at first. A second officer on scene drew their Taser and advised him to drop the items several times. After a few seconds, he dropped the items and was told to sit down.
Moore, police said, appeared “seriously intoxicated.”
He told police that he was “just having fun” and rambled on about family and other disputes.
According to the probable cause, items that were burned or damaged included but were not limited to, 20 -8.5 x 11 American garden flags with sticks valued at $40 and 15 aluminum Veteran grave markers valued at $750.
Moore is scheduled to make his next court appearance at the end of this month for formal arraignment on the charges. He remains in custody at Bucks County Correctional Facility on $10,000.00 bail.
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