NORTHAMPTON — An individual has been charged with vandalism and burning of personal property after allegedly stealing and setting fire to several pride flags outside Thornes Marketplace in June.
David Sivokonenko, 22, of Westfield, pleaded not guilty in Northampton District Court on Wednesday after being identified by the Northampton Police Department as one of several individuals allegedly captured on surveillance footage stealing eight pride flags that were hanging from the awning of Thornes on June 19. The suspects can be seen on the footage stealing the flags and then taking them into the middle of Main Street and setting them on fire.
The remaining individuals in the video remain unidentified. Thornes Marketplace had offered a $250 gift card to anyone who has information pertaining to those involved in the vandalism.
“This act of hate and intimidation has no place in our community,” Thornes wrote in a social media post shortly after the incident happened in June. “We will not tolerate violence or vandalism meant to silence or threaten.”
Sivokonenko faces charges of burning personal property and vandalizing property, both of which are felonies, as well as a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct. He is expected to be back in court on Nov. 4 for a pretrial hearing.
The Northampton Police Department continues to investigate the case to identify the other individuals involved. Anyone with information may contact the department at 427-587-1100.
