Two charged in July 2022 thefts and burning of pride flag in Santa Ynez

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Avi Stone Williams and Joshua Jerome Eligino have been charged in connection with the July 2022 theft of two pride flags and burning of one in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Santa Barbara District Attorney John Savrnoch announced Thursday that the DA has charged the two with two misdemeanor counts of petty theft and one misdemeanor count of a Violation of Civil Rights.

Savrnoch said his office is working "in accordance with the Victims’ Bill of Rights" and "has met with the victims and members of the community and received input on how they have been impacted by these events."

Williams and Eligino are set to be arraigned in the Santa Maria courthouse on Apr. 19.