A Laguna Niguel resident has admitted to firing a semi-automatic rifle at an Orange County Sheriff’s Department helicopter from his home last year. Justin Derek Jennings, 40, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of attempting to damage, destroy, disable, or wreck an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.
According to the plea agreement, on March 9, 2024, Jennings shot at the sheriff’s helicopter from a second-story window of his residence. Court documents indicate that earlier that day, Jennings and his family had been celebrating his birthday. After consuming alcohol and becoming angry, Jennings fired an entire magazine inside his home after most family members left. The remaining relatives fled and notified law enforcement.
Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department responded with several officers and deployed a police helicopter over the area. Jennings then began shooting upwards at the helicopter whenever it was visible, continuing for about 20 minutes. He surrendered after speaking with a sheriff’s deputy.
Law enforcement searched Jennings’ home and found two revolvers, two handguns, two rifles, multiple rounds of ammunition, spent bullet casings on the floor, as well as magazines and a box of ammunition near the window where shots were fired.
United States District Judge John W. Holcomb set sentencing for January 30, 2026. Jennings faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office initially charged Jennings but later dismissed its case so that federal prosecution could proceed.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin J. Campbell and Lisa J. Lindhorst are prosecuting.
"United States District Judge John W. Holcomb scheduled a January 30, 2026, sentencing hearing, at which time Jennings will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison."
"The FBI and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter."
"Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin J. Campbell and Lisa J. Lindhorst of the Orange County Office are prosecuting this case."
