Lexington, KY Man Pleads Guilty To Targeting Police Helo With Laser | Aero-News Network
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Wed, Sep 11, 2013

Lexington, KY Man Pleads Guilty To Targeting Police Helo With Laser

Sentenced To 12 Months In Jail Under The Deal, Will Serve 30 Days

A man in Lexington, KY has pleaded guilty to aiming a laser affixed to a 9mm pistol at a police helicopter last month.

Steven French, who was working as a security guard, was arrested on August 24. He was charged with Wanton Endangerment. The green laser was attached to the pistol he had in his possession.

Television station WLEX reports that French pleaded guilty in state court to avoid federal prosecution in the case. It is a federal offence to aim a laser or any bright light at an aircraft. French does still face civil fines that will be levied by the FAA.

French pleaded guilty on September 4. He was sentenced to 12 months in jail, of which he will reportedly serve 30 days. He will then serve two years’ probation and be required to complete 100 hours of community service. He will also be forced to surrender both the laser and the pistol to which it was attached.

Television station WKYT reported at the time of French's arrest he said he did it because he was "bored" during his shift as a security guard.

(Lexington, KY Police booking photo)

FMI: www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/lasers/hazards/

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