A Monmouth County resident, James M. Pedone, has been charged with aiming a laser beam at an aircraft, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna. The 27-year-old from Colts Neck, New Jersey, faces charges for allegedly targeting an aircraft within the special jurisdiction of the United States with a laser. His initial court appearance took place before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre in Newark federal court on February 13, 2025.
Court documents and statements reveal that on December 12, 2024, Pedone reportedly directed a laser beam towards an aircraft operated by federal law enforcement personnel near Colts Neck. It is alleged that he mistakenly believed the aircraft to be a drone.
The offense of knowingly aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna acknowledged the efforts of special agents and Joint Terrorism Task Force Officers from the FBI Newark Joint Terrorism Task Force, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark, along with the Colts Neck Police Department under Chief Daniel DeVito's direction for their roles in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent D. Romano from the National Security Unit in Newark is representing the government in this case.
It is important to note that charges and allegations are merely accusations at this stage; Pedone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Defense counsel for Pedone is Michael Thomas, Esq.
