A McAllen resident has pleaded guilty to pointing a laser at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
George Anthony Garza, 35, admitted to using the laser on December 29, 2024. The incident involved a CBP aircrew in an Air and Marine Operations helicopter who noticed a green laser beam directed at their aircraft multiple times during flight. This action impaired the pilot's vision. Authorities traced the source of the laser to Garza’s backyard.
When law enforcement arrived at Garza's residence, he surrendered the laser pointer and confessed to targeting the aircraft that evening.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton is scheduled to sentence Garza on June 3. He could face up to five years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Garza has been allowed to remain on bond until sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, CBP, and Border Patrol with support from the Federal Aviation Administration and the McAllen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan is handling the prosecution.