Aspen August Schaffer, a 31-year-old resident of Post Falls, has been sentenced to 35 months in federal prison for pointing a laser pointer at an aircraft, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott. Following his imprisonment, Schaffer will be subject to an additional three years of supervised release.
Court documents indicate that Schaffer was indicted by a grand jury in September 2024 for violating federal law by targeting an aircraft with a laser. The incident occurred on August 16, 2024, when Schaffer, while out with friends, directed a bright green laser at a helicopter belonging to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office. The laser affected the vision of the pilot, sergeant, and deputy on board, causing a temporary loss of altitude before the pilot regained control of the aircraft.
Law enforcement tracked Schaffer's vehicle and arrested him. At the time of booking, Schaffer had a blood alcohol level of .11. Authorities noted that Schaffer was already known to law enforcement and had previous felony convictions.
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott praised the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, and the Coeur d'Alene Police Department for their roles in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci J. Whelan handled the prosecution of the case.
