Desert Men Accused Of Flag Desecration

Misdemeanor charges will be filed against two Riverside County men accused of swapping an American flag for a Canadian one in La Quinta after their homeland hockey team’s win at the Olympics, prosecutors said today.

Matt Siefert, 26, of Palm Desert, and Ryan Smith, 25, of Bermuda Dunes, will be charged with misdemeanor vandalism and desecration of a flag, said Michael Jeandron of the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.

The men allegedly removed the American flag atop Point Happy Mountain and replaced it with a Canadian flag shortly after Canada’s overtime victory over the United States to win the men’s hockey gold medal on Feb. 28.

The American flag had been posted at the peak, which overlooks Highway 111 and Washington Street, by Indian Wells resident Mayte Sterling, following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.

The men are accused of damaging the flag by burying it.

Earlier this month, the men told investigators their prank was in keeping with the competitive spirit of the Olympics, sheriff’s Lt. Jason Huskey said.