Ex-Marine and Naval Academy Grad Charged in Pride Flag Hate Crime

Benjamin Michael, 44, a former Marine and graduate of the Naval Academy, has been accused of a hate crime and deliberate property damage following the tear down of an LGBTQ Pride flag outside the Dapper Dog Tattoo Shop in Annapolis. 

Police report that the act, captured on camera, represented the third instance of Pride flag vandalism at the store.

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After a video showed a man tearing the flag, emblazoned with "ABIDE NO HATRED," from its post and laying it in a nearby garbage can early Friday morning, shop co-owner Charlie Garrett reported the act. Posts on social media looking for the suspect's identity resulted in a tip from a nearby restaurant worker who identified Michael from a Naval Academy football event.

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Originally from Dallas, Michael spent 2004–2013 serving in the Marine Corps, retiring as a captain. Currently, he is charged with misdemeanors—hate crime and property damage.

The incident draws attention to the concerning increase in hate crimes. The FBI claims that hate crimes aimed at sexual orientation rose over 70% between 2018 and 2023. Although such events average six annually in Anne Arundel County, last year soared to nine.

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Garrett reaffirmed the shop's dedication to being a safe place by praising community support and confirming the banner would be replaced soon. Garrett advised not touching something if it does not belong to you. "You have no right to tamper with the free expression of others."

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Michael has not yet been assigned a court date.

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