COLTS NECK, N.J. (1010 WINS) — A New Jersey man was charged with aiming the beam of a laser at a federal law enforcement aircraft last December, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced Friday.
James Pedone, 27, of Colts Neck, was charged by complaint with knowingly aiming the beam of a laser at an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. He had an initial appearance in Newark federal court on Feb 13.
According to court documents, on or about Dec. 12, Pedone pointed the beam of a laser on three separate occasions, striking an aircraft operated by federal law enforcement personnel in or near the vicinity of Colts Neck, mistakenly believing the aircraft to be a drone.
Pedone allegedly pointed the laser beam during a time when thousands of drone sightings were reported throughout the state. The drone sightings prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to temporarily ban drone operations in nearly two dozen cities and towns in New Jersey.
Knowingly aiming the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft in the special jurisdiction of the United States carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine.