An Aloha, Oregon, resident pleaded guilty on April 30 to pointing a laser at a Customs and Border Protection helicopter and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Brian K. Kapileo Nepaial, age 38, admitted guilt for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft and for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, the incident occurred on October 3, 2025, when a CBP helicopter was struck by a green laser as it attempted to land at Hillsboro airport. The flight crew observed someone walking near a residence before losing sight of the individual. The Federal Bureau of Investigation later identified the residence and executed a federal search warrant on October 10, seizing both a laser from Nepaial's bedroom and over 100 grams of methamphetamine along with evidence indicating drug trafficking.
A federal grand jury in Portland indicted Nepaial on December 16, charging him with two counts: aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He faces up to five years in prison for the first count and up to forty years—with a mandatory minimum of five years—for the second count. Fines could reach $250,000 for Count One and $5 million for Count Two; supervised release terms are also possible. Sentencing is scheduled for July 28 before a U.S. district court judge.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement regarding this case. Bradford has previously served as Chief of the White Collar Unit and Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section according to his official profile.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office engages in community outreach efforts aimed at fighting crime across Oregon according to its official website. Offices are maintained in Portland, Eugene, and Medford according to its official website, employing approximately 107 staff members as reported by its official website. The office operates under the Department of Justice as one among ninety-three such offices nationwide according to its official website.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office states that it pursues justice by representing federal interests in civil and criminal matters while seeking public trust in Oregon’s judicial system according to its official description.
