VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A retired Navy veteran must pay for two flags after stealing one from his Virginia Beach neighbor because it wasn't being illuminated at night.

News outlets reported that a judge Monday found John Parmele Jr. guilty of three misdemeanors after Parmele's neighbor Mike Anderson presented footage of the crime being committed.

Parmele said he took the American flag to the Veterans of Foreign Wars to give it a proper retirement.

Parmele said he had tried in vain to get Anderson to illuminate the flag on his mailbox at night so it would be in accordance with federal code.

Parmele was found guilty of stealing the flag, trespassing and destruction of property. He was ordered to pay a $300 fine and reimburse Anderson about $100. His 90-day jail sentence was suspended.