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Monmouth County Man Charged for Allegedly Aiming Laser at Federal Aircraft
Defendant believed the plane was a drone, now faces federal charges and possible prison term.
A 27-year-old resident of Colts Neck, New Jersey has been charged by federal authorities for knowingly pointing a laser beam at a law enforcement aircraft flying overhead, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced. James M. Pedone was charged with aiming the beam of a laser at an aircraft—a crime that carries up to five years in prison and a potential $250,000 fine.
According to court records and statements made in federal court, the alleged incident occurred on December 12, 2024. Pedone is accused of directing a laser beam at an aircraft operated by federal law enforcement in or near Colts Neck. Prosecutors say that Pedone believed the aircraft was a drone when he targeted it with the laser on three separate occasions.
The plane’s crew promptly relayed information about the laser strikes to ground personnel, triggering an investigation. Authorities caution that laser beams aimed at aircraft can temporarily blind pilots, jeopardize in-flight safety and potentially endanger both those on board and individuals on the ground.
Criminal Charges and Potential Penalties
Under federal law, knowingly pointing a laser at an aircraft within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States is a serious offense. If convicted, Pedone faces:
- A maximum of five years in prison.
- A fine up to $250,000.
Pedone had an initial appearance in Newark federal court on February 13, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre. Court documents allege that Pedone’s actions could have disrupted critical law enforcement operations.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited the investigation to:
- FBI Newark Joint Terrorism Task Force, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly.
- Colts Neck Police Department, under Chief Daniel DeVito.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent D. Romano, of the National Security Unit in Newark, is prosecuting the case. As always, the complaint contains mere accusations, and Pedone is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
