Crime & Safety

Oakland Man Charged With Desecrating American Flags

Jonathan Webman, 49, was also charged with harassment.

OAKLAND, N.J. — A borough man was arrested after he allegedly turned several American flags upside down recently, police said.

As a result of the flags being turned upside down, police conducted surveillance of the flag displayed at Bush Plaza, said Officer Christian Eldridge.

As about 8:30 p.m. May 21, police saw Jonathan Webman, 49, lower, unclip, and turn the flag upside down, Eldridge said.

Webman was transported to police headquarters and charged with desecration of a venerated object and harassment, Eldridge said. He was released on his own recognizance and given a date to appear in Oakland Municipal Court, police said.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com. Sign up for Patch N.J. email newsletters here.

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons, used with permission

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