Flag investigation is still ongoing
PRINCETON — The investigation continues into the May 2006 vandalism of the Flags of Freedom site on North Main Street.
On Thursday, Bureau County State’s Attorney Patrick Herrmann confirmed the investigation is on-going at this time. If any more information arises in the case, there could be additional arrests or charges made, he said.
On March 30, Edward John Busch, 47, of Downers Grove was arrested and charged with one Class 3 felony of criminal damage to government-supported property in the Flags of Freedom case.
Princeton Deputy Police Chief Allan Beaber made the announcement of Busch’s arrest in a press conference Tuesday. The investigation into the Flags of Freedom vandalism won’t be a closed case until the court hearings are completed, Beaber said after the press conference.
The Flags of Freedom site, dedicated to area veterans, includes four 145-feet-tall flag poles and four 30-by-60-feet U.S. flags, positioned in the quadrants surrounding the North Main and Interstate 80 intersection. The four flags were first raised in a September 2005 ceremony attended by several hundred people. The Flags of Freedom Committee, chaired by Princeton Police Chief Tom Root and Princeton resident Jack Scott, has now turned over the upkeep of the site to the city of Princeton.
The Flags of Freedom vandalism was reported May 24, 2006, to the Princeton Police Department. Upon arrival at the site, officers found the control panels to the automatic hoists for each of the four flags had been pried off. A crime scene investigation was conducted and the Princeton Police Department began an extensive investigation, Beaber said. After 10 months, the police department presented its information to the Bureau County State’s Attorney. Circuit Judge Marc Bernabei then issued the warrant for Busch’s arrest.
Busch’s next court date is set for 9 a.m. April 27 in the Bureau County Courthouse before Bernabei. Busch is now free from custody after posting bond 10 percent of a $10,000 bond.
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