Louisiana Woman Faces Up to 5 Years in Prison for Shining Laser Pointers at Aircraft
A Shreveport woman is facing serious legal consequences after admitting to shining laser pointers at two aircraft, an action considered a major federal crime. April Nicole Poitras, 45, pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple charges related to the incidents and now faces up to 5 years in prison and fines that could reach $250,000.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced her guilty plea earlier this week, shedding light on the dangerous incidents that occurred in August of last year. According to court records, a Cessna 172L flying at an altitude of 3,500 feet above Caddo Parish was suddenly illuminated by a green laser from the ground. The incident was immediately reported to local law enforcement, prompting a swift response that included multiple police vehicles and a police helicopter.
However, the situation escalated when the same green laser was aimed at the responding helicopter. This allowed a deputy from the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office to pinpoint Poitras as the culprit, who was found in possession of the laser pointer. Poitras admitted at the scene that she had intentionally aimed the laser at the aircraft.
As a result of her actions and subsequent guilty plea, Poitras is now facing a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a hefty fine of up to $250,000.
Laser pointers, often viewed as harmless toys or tools, can become highly dangerous when aimed at aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has long warned of the risks, noting that laser strikes can blind or distract pilots, endangering the lives of both passengers and people on the ground. In 2023 alone, over 13,000 laser strikes were reported to the FAA, underscoring the seriousness of this issue.
The risks are not just to the pilots and passengers but also extend to anyone in the path of a potentially out-of-control aircraft. Federal law treats these incidents with utmost seriousness, and those caught shining lasers at planes face severe penalties, including substantial fines and criminal charges.
Fines for such offenses can reach $11,000 for a single incident, with cumulative penalties up to $30,800 for multiple strikes. In 2021, the FAA issued $120,000 in fines related to laser strikes, highlighting the agency’s commitment to addressing this growing problem.
Educating the public, particularly young people, about the dangers of laser strikes is essential in preventing these incidents. Understanding both the risks and the legal consequences can serve as a strong deterrent against engaging in such reckless behavior. Laser pointers should be treated with care and respect, as what may seem like a harmless act can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, kpel965.com