COLTS NECK – A local man was charged with aiming a laser pointer at a federal aircraft, thinking it was one of the mysterious drones that were visiting the area.
James M. Pedone, 27, of Colts Neck, was charged with knowingly aiming the beam of a laser at an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine.
The events took place on or about December 12, 2024, when local residents’ curiosity and fear about the unmanned vehicles were high. Pedone allegedly pointed the laser pointer at aircraft being operated by federal law enforcement personnel on three separate occasions. This was done in Colts Neck, in an area considered protected under the “special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna credited special agents and Joint Terrorism Task Force Officers of the FBI Newark Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark, as well as the Colts Neck Police Department, under the direction of Chief Daniel DeVito, with the investigation leading to the charge.
Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.
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