S. Lane Tucker, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office District of Alaska
A Delta Junction woman has been sentenced to three years of probation for interfering with joint military operations. The incident involved pointing a high-powered laser at two helicopters near Allen Army Airfield.
Court documents revealed that on February 11, 2024, Canadian Military Aircrews were operating tactical helicopter squadrons in the area when Anchorage Airport Traffic Control received a report from a Canadian Military Pilot about lasers targeting his aircraft. The pilot noted that while the aircraft was at an elevation of approximately 4,200 feet and holding position, the crew experienced interference from a green laser every time they passed over a specific cabin. Upon descending to around 500 feet to prepare for landing at Allen Army Airfield, the laser hit again.
Alaska State Troopers traced the source of the laser to Heide Goodermote's cabin. Goodermote admitted to law enforcement that she was angered by the helicopters flying over her property and used a laser against them.
Subsequent investigations identified the device as a class IIIB laser, capable of causing immediate eye damage or skin burns due to its output power ranging between 5 and 500 milliwatts. Three crew members from the Canadian Air Force reported eye injuries resulting from Goodermote’s actions.
On November 26, 2024, Goodermote pleaded guilty to assaulting or impeding officers performing official duties. "Ms. Goodermote wrongly believed the helicopters had no right to fly over her property and decided to take matters into her own hands," stated First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn R. Vogel for the District of Alaska.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Fairbanks Resident Agency conducted an investigation with assistance from Alaska State Troopers. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek handled prosecution for this case.
