The theft of flags from the Luzerne County Courthouse lawn on River Street in Wilkes-Barre prompted an emotional call for public assistance Friday from county Manager Romilda Crocamo.
“I am angry, and I am not going to pretend otherwise. Sometime in the last few days, someone walked onto the lawn of our courthouse, the people’s courthouse, and stole American flags and the Luzerne County flag,” Crocamo’s statement said.
“That is not mischief. That is not a prank. That is theft, and it is a disgrace,” she said.
The county has surveillance footage of the incident that is being turned over to law enforcement, Crocamo said.
She is seeking identification of anyone involved, along with criminal charges and full prosecution. She urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
“This county will not be intimidated, and we will not let this go,” she said.
New flags will be raised at the courthouse as the investigation continues.
The county works hard to keep the courthouse lawn “a place this county can be proud of,” the manager said.
“It is one of the few things left that belongs to all of us, no matter who we voted for or where we come from. I will not stand by while someone disrespects it,” her statement said.
Flags also have a symbolic significance, representing those who served the country, she said.
“Whoever did this didn’t just take a piece of fabric off a pole. They spat on everything that the flag represents. I can’t think of a pettier, more cowardly, or more un-American act than sneaking onto public property to steal a flag.”