Wed, Apr 20, 2016
Both Accused In Case Of Operating An Unregistered Aircraft
Two men charged in a case involving drugs, cash, and an airplane have pleaded guilty in federal court in Wyoming.
The Associated Press reports that last week, Michael Lewis of Englewood, CO pleaded guilty to a charge of operating an unregistered airplane. He and Gilbert Wayne Wiles of Denver had been arrested and charged after a drug-sniffing dog had alerted near their airplane on the ramp at Yellowstone Regional Airport in February 2014. While no drugs were found in the plane, the dog's actions indicated that it had been used to transport drugs in the past, according to testimony from a police officer. Lewis and Wiles were arrested in a hotel room with some $250,000 cash.
Lewis pleaded guilty last week to charges of operating an unregistered aircraft, and faces up to three years in prison. However, District Judge Alan B. Johnson said that it may be a case that for which an a probationary sentence would be appropriate. The Billings Gazette reports that Wiles pleaded guilty Friday to a charge of aiding and abetting the operation of an unregistered aircraft.
Prosecutors are continuing to pursue a civil case to force the forfeiture of the cash and the Cessna, which Lewis purchased for $130,000, saying they were involved in the illegal drug trade despite not having filed any drug charges.
Lewis has filed claims in civil court asserting ownership of both the airplane and the cash, but as part of his plea agreement, he has forfeited any interest in the Cessna.
Lewis reportedly told federal prosecutor Thomas Scott in court that he "did not know" the plane was supposed to be registered.
More News
Also: SkyReach Parts Support, Piper Service Ctr, Airliner Near-Miss, Airshow London The Judge overseeing Icon's convoluted Chapter 11 process has approved $9 million in Chapter 11 >[...]
ILS PRM Approach An instrument landing system (ILS) approach conducted to parallel runways whose extended centerlines are separated by less than 4,300 feet and at least 3,000 feet >[...]
Aero Linx: FlyPups FlyPups transports dogs from desperate situations to fosters, no-kill shelters, and fur-ever homes. We deliver trained dogs to veterans for service and companion>[...]
Also: Skydio Chief, Uncle Sam Sues, Dash 7 magniX, OR UAS Accelerator US Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall was given a turn around the patch in the 'X-62A Variable In-flight>[...]
Also: NBAA on FAA Reauth, DJI AG Drones, HI Insurance Bill Defeated, SPSA Airtankers The Beechcraft Denali continues moving forward towards certification, having received its FAA T>[...]