Fri, Jul 17, 2015
But The Top Gun Graduate Denies All Charges
A former Navy pilot and Top Gun graduate who is in prison on 31 charges of producing child pornography apparently sought help from China to get him out of jail.
USA Today reports Lt. Daniel Chase Harris, who was found guilty in March of multiple charges of producing child pornography, allegedly wrote a letter denying the charges, but saying that "My country, that I have faithfully served since 2001, found me guilty of 31 felonies that I did not commit. And to make it worse they took my wife and children from me. So if they no longer believe in me, then I no longer believe in them."
The letter was sent to the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C. In it, the writer offers to pass along all knowledge of aircraft, radar systems, and weapons, as well as pilot training techniques, carrier operations, and threat assessments. He said that he would be contacting the Russians if he did not hear back from the Chinese.
Harris was found guilty of posing as a teenage boy in online chatrooms who convinced teenage girls to send him explicit photos, and then using those photos as blackmail to coerce them to send more photos and videos or he would post the first pictures online. The victims reportedly ranged from ages 12 to 17.
Harris also tried to deflect suspicion from himself by having a friend send a letter to Harris' attorney saying he had framed Harris in the child pornography case because he was obsessed with Harris' wife. For that Harris was convicted of obstruction of justice.
Harris faces life in prison. His attorney says he plans to appeal. Prosecutors have said they do not know if they will file charges in connection with the letter to the Chinese embassy. Harris has denied writing the letter, but prosecutors say forensic evidence show otherwise.
(Lt. Daniel Chase Harris pictured in booking photo)
More News
Say Altitude Used by ATC to ascertain an aircraft's specific altitude/flight level. When the aircraft is climbing or descending, the pilot should state the indicated altitude round>[...]
Aero Linx: European Air Law Association (EALA) EALA was established in 1988 with the aim to promote the study of European air law and to provide an open forum for those with an int>[...]
From 2023 (YouTube Version): The Life, Death, Life, Death, and Life of a Glorious Warbird In 1981, business-owner Jim Tobul and his father purchased a Chance-Vought F4U Corsair. Mo>[...]
Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World Wa>[...]
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]