Charge Stems From November 23, 2024 Laser Strike Incident

Aaron Randal Class was charged by a grand jury in a one-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. The indictment was unsealed and made public after the arrest of the 53-year-old Class, from North Kansas City, Missouri,

The indictment alleges that on or about November 23, 2024, Class knowingly aimed the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft in the jurisdiction of the United States at the time.

As with all grand jury indictments, the charge is an accusation and not evidence of any guilt by the accused. Any evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, who will determine Class’s guilt or innocence.

Federal statutes provide for a sentence of up to five years in federal prison for Class if he is found guilty. The maximum sentence is set by Congress, and the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory elements.

If Class is found guilty, a sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

The case was investigated by the North Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Branon Chlarson.

FMI:  www.justice.gov/