Martinez told KCCI he had no regrets whatsoever.
"No, I'm guilty as charged," he said.
On Wednesday, a Story County judge sentenced Martinez to 17 years in prison.
Ames Church of Christ Minister Eileen Gebbie said the sentencing was both heartbreaking and justified.
"Nobody got shot (and) nobody was sexually assaulted," Gebbie said. "It was a banner. How much does that hurt? But I had to reflect on the fear it created in our sanctuary. People became afraid to go to church. We had to continue to talk about how to prepare for an active shooter and we learned from the trial Mr. Martinez had been watching our church for some time."
"I believe him to be very dangerous," Story County Attorney Jessica Reynolds said. "That's why my office recommended the maximum sentence."
Reynolds said the judge agreed to the 17-year sentence because Martinez has a long history of harassment and is a habitual offender and never showed any remorse.
"The defendant stated that there was nothing the judge could to stop him from continuing this behavior and that he would continue to do this no matter what," she said.
"It was an honor to (burn the flag)," Martinez told KCCI in June." It's a blessing from the Lord." (emph. added)
