A flagpole that was stolen from a yard in Zephyrhills was found at a home in the same neighborhood, according to Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said the pole was initially moved to the other side of the property so that an area could be painted. The victim noticed it was missing the next day.
Days later, the victim was walking around her neighborhood and saw the stolen flagpole at a nearby home. She said the markings on the pole were identical to the ones on the missing staff, according to the affidavit.
Deputies said a man identified as 56-year-old John Mraz had added rings to the pole so that he could hang his own flag, but it was apparent that they were not originally there.
The victim filed a report and a few days later, Mraz returned the flag to its rightful owner at the urging of his mother, the affidavit stated.
He was arrested Tuesday for grand theft less than $5,000 and booked into the Pasco County Jail.
Further information was not immediately available.
