NEWARK, N.J. — A Monmouth County man has been charged with aiming a laser at a federal law enforcement aircraft, an act that carries serious legal consequences, federal prosecutors announced.
James M. Pedone, 27, of Colts Neck, was charged by complaint with knowingly targeting an aircraft with a laser beam, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna said. Pedone appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre in Newark federal court on February 13.
Authorities said that on December 12, 2024, Pedone pointed a laser at an aircraft on three separate occasions near Colts Neck, mistakenly believing it to be a drone. The aircraft was operated by federal law enforcement personnel.
If convicted, Pedone faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The FBI’s Newark Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Colts Neck Police Department were credited with the investigation leading to the charge.
Federal officials continue to warn that laser strikes on aircraft pose serious risks to aviation safety and carry severe penalties.