Two soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, were arrested on charges of stealing Pride flags from an Arlington, Va., couple’s home, according to local police. (Screen capture from Michelle Logan post on X)
WASHINGTON — Two soldiers assigned to the Army’s oldest active-duty infantry unit have been arrested on charges of stealing Pride flags from an Arlington, Va., couple’s home, according to local police.
Matthew Henshaw, 20, was charged last week on three of five thefts that occurred between September and January. He was charged with three counts of bias-motivated unlawful entry and three counts of petit larceny, the Arlington County Police Department said.
Joseph Digregorio, 23, was charged last week with one count of petit larceny in connection with one of the thefts.
Both men are members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, which serves as the Army’s premier ceremonial unit tasked with burials at Arlington National Cemetery.
“We recognize the significance and impact of their actions and take these charges seriously,” the Army said in a statement. “The actions of those involved in no way represent the values and character of The Old Guard or our Army. We will continue to work with the Arlington County Police Department throughout this ongoing investigation.”
In July, Michelle Logan moved into the Arlington home of her girlfriend, Jenna Burnett, and the couple decided to display a Pride flag outside the house. On Sept. 16, the couple woke up to find the rainbow flag had been ripped from its pole. Footage from their security camera showed a man approaching the home at about 2:30 a.m. and stealing the flag, Logan told NBC News.
“The flagpole was completely destroyed,” Logan told the network. “We reviewed the footage, and it looked like someone in a cowboy hat and like a flannel just kind of running up and ripping it down, and then sort of running away with his friends.”
The police said the investigation remains active. Henshaw was released on a secured bond, and Digregorio was released on a summons. Online court records show Henshaw was scheduled to appear Thursday afternoon for an arraignment at Arlington General District Court.
