DOT IG Finds Bryan Strelski Also Falsified Logbooks, Presented Himself As An FAA Certified Mechanic

An aircraft broker in Arizona who is also a convicted felon has been indicted on charges of possessing firearms, according to the DOT Office of Inspector General.

According to a report posted on the OIG website, on August 4, 2017, Bryan Strelski, owner of First Coast Aviation, an aircraft brokering business, was indicted in Arizona Superior Court, Maricopa County, on two counts of misconduct involving weapons, a class 4 felony in the State of Arizona.

A DOT-OIG investigation disclosed Strelski allegedly falsified airman’s logbooks and attempted to sell a totaled aircraft he’d obtained at an insurance auction without disclosing any of its damage history. He also presented himself as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-certified airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic to buyers, although FAA had never issued an A&P certificate to him.

In 2012, Strelski pled guilty to financial structuring charges, which made him a convicted felon and prevented him from possessing firearms or ammunition. During the course of the investigation, DOT-OIG obtained information from multiple sources that he may have firearms in his possession. On July 25, 2017, DOT-OIG coordinated with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Phoenix Field Division, regarding the weapons possession information, and on July 28, 2017, Strelski was arrested and a search warrant served on his residence.

Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

FMI: www.oig.dot.gov/library-item/35887