Jesse Torres-Alonso, a 35-year-old resident of Bakersfield, has entered a guilty plea for directing a laser pointer at an aircraft. This announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
Court documents reveal that on September 28, 2023, Torres aimed a bright green laser beam at a Kern County Sheriff's Office helicopter, known as Air One, on twelve occasions. These actions compromised the pilot's visibility and ability to safely operate the aircraft. Law enforcement officials were able to confiscate the laser device, which prominently displayed a warning label indicating "DANGER" and advised against directing the light into eyes.
In the year when this incident occurred, pilots reported 13,304 cases of laser strikes to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), representing a 41% increase from the 9,457 reports in 2022. This surge highlights an escalating safety risk.
The investigation leading to Torres's arrest was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kern County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is handling the prosecution.
Torres's sentencing is set for May 20, 2025, before U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The final sentence will be determined based on statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines that consider various elements.