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Wed, Mar 23, 2005

New Jersey Man Indicted In Laser Incident

Says He Was Just Stargazing

A New Jersey man accused of pointing a laser beam into the cockpits of passing planes was indicted in federal court Wednesday under an anti-terrorism law.

David Banach is also accused of lying to FBI investigators who questioned him about the incident. The cabin and windshield of a small commercial jet were bathed in blinding green light at least three times during the incident on December 29th, according to the indictment.

"We take the alleged actions of Mr. Banach very seriously, and we will not condone lying to federal agents," US Attorney Christopher J. Christie said in a prepared statement released to reporters.

"I think it’s an absolute abuse of prosecutorial discretion to charge my client under the Patriot Act for non-purposeful conduct," Banach's lawyer, Gina Mendola-Longarzo, told local journalists.

The 38-year old defendant, who lives in Parsippany, NJ, faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. He's officially charged with interference with pilots of an aircraft "with reckless disregard for the safety human life," according to the indictment.

Just two weeks after the incident, the Department of Transportation tightened up measures aimed at preventing people from shining lasers at aircraft.

FMI: www.dot.gov

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