The crest of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is seen at their headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 10, 2021. (Reuters File)
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A Bakersfield man pleaded guilty Monday to aiming a laser pointer at a Kern County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, federal prosecutors said.
Alejandro Galvan-Silvestre, 26, admitted knowingly shining the laser at Air One while it conducted a routine patrol on Sept. 5, 2021.
Court documents say Galvan-Silvestre was drinking with family and friends outside his home when he targeted the aircraft.
In 2021, federal data recorded 9,723 laser strikes on aircraft nationwide, marking a record high.
The investigation involved the FBI, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Galvan-Silvestre is scheduled for sentencing Nov. 17. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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