LARNED — A Larned man has been charged with arson after allegedly burning a large American flag located at the Carr Auction and Realty Inc. building earlier this year.

Jason Wayne Cauble, 37 of Larned, appeared before Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell Thursday morning via Zoom in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff for a felony first appearance.

Cauble was served a felony arrest warrant on June 22 for a single count of arson. The issuance of the warrant stemmed from a joint investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department and the Larned Police Department into the burning of the 30-by-20-foot flag at the Larned business. The damage was discovered the morning of April 29.

At the first appearance, Judge Cowell advised Cauble of the charge, the possible penalties if convicted and his constitutional rights, including his right to counsel. If convicted, under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines the defendant faces a presumptive prison sentence between 11 months and 34 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections, depending on his criminal history.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 8. Cauble is being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff in lieu of $15,000 bond.

Pawnee County Attorney Douglas W. McNett noted that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.