NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY - Oct. 20, 2020
SAN DIEGO - An indictment was unsealed in federal court today charging San Diego resident Stephen Glenn McLeod with knowingly aiming the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft on Aug. 28, 2020.
McLeod was arraigned in federal court today. At the hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Shapiro told U.S. Magistrate Allison Goddard that McLeod is alleged to have pointed a laser pointer at a San Diego Police Department helicopter multiple times while participating in a protest on Aug. 28, 2020.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Goddard set a personal appearance bond of $35,000, guaranteed by two financial responsible adults. The next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 20, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. District Court Judge Janis Sammartino.
“We support everyone’s right to peacefully assemble and protest. Aiming a laser pointer at a police helicopter, however, is highly dangerous and a serious violation of federal law,"
said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer.
“When aimed at an aircraft, a beam of light from a handheld laser can illuminate a cockpit, disorienting and temporarily blinding the pilots," said Suzanne Turner, Special Agent in Charge of FBI San Diego. “It's a federal felony that the FBI and our law enforcement partners take very seriously."
DEFENDANT Case Number 20CR3106JLS
Stephen Glenn McLeod Age: 38 San Diego
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Aiming a Laser Pointer at an Aircraft - Title 18, United States Code, Section 39A
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison, $250,000 fine
AGENCY
San Diego Police Department
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Joint Terrorism Task Force
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
