VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - A court battle between neighbors of the placement and treatment of the American flag ended Monday.
John Parmele removed his neighbor's flag from his mailbox because he said the flag was not lit at night, violating a federal code and "dishonoring the flag."
Parmele was found guilty of destruction of property, trespassing and petit larceny. He was placed on probation for 24 months, but he is happy with the result.
"It could have been so much worse," said Parmele, who said he didn't plan on pleading guilty, but the evidence against him was undeniable.
"When he showed the judge the pictures and there I was plainer than day, I couldn't argue that," said Parmele.
Parmele said Anderson is violating a federal code because Anderson's flag isn't lit at night. Now that the case is over, Parmele admitted to cutting down Anderson's flag.
"I cut the flag. I cut two flags off because as soon as I cut one off, three days later he put the other one back up."
Parmele said in his mind, he gave the two flags a proper and respectful retirement by bringing them to the VFW.
Multiple neighbors living in the Yawl Point cul de sac tell Newschannel 3 everyone there gets along except for Parmele, who is such a stickler for rules, he makes living there difficult.
Previous coverage: Neighbors battle in court over American flag's placement
