Trial Continues For Student Accused Of Ripping Down Mexican Flag On Campus

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) – A man who admitted to taking down and destroying a Mexican flag on the University of New Mexico campus has been found guilty of criminal damage to property.

Bernalillo County Metropolitan Judge Clyde DeMersseman imposed a six-month deferred sentence on Peter Lynch this afternoon.

If Lynch successfully completes probation, the offense will be erased from his record.

Lynch also must do 48 hours of community service, attend anger management and replace the flag.

Last September’s incident came after the Mexican flag was flown for Mexican Independence Day.

It was never supposed to be left flying by itself but when the Army ROTC retired the U.S. and state flags, they left the Mexican flag, thinking its owners would take it down. They didn’t.

ROTC students who were supposed to raise the U.S. and state flags the next Monday forgot.

Lynch complained to UNM, then pulled down the flag and ripped it up.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)