Posted on 01/04/2005 4:27:48 PM PST by Las Vegas Dave
NEWARK, N.J. - Federal authorities Tuesday used the Patriot Act to charge a man with pointing a laser beam at an airplane overhead and temporarily blinding the pilot and co-pilot.
The FBI (news - web sites) acknowledged the incident had no connection to terrorism but called David Banach's actions "foolhardy and negligent."
Banach, 38, of Parsippany admitted to federal agents that he pointed the light beam at a jet and a helicopter over his home near Teterboro Airport last week, authorities said. Initially, he claimed his daughter aimed the device at the helicopter, they said.
He is the first person arrested after a recent rash of reports around the nation of laser beams hitting airplanes.
Banach was charged only in connection with the jet. He was accused of interfering with the operator of a mass transportation vehicle and making false statements to the FBI, and was released on $100,000 bail. He could get up to 25 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
People like that shouldn't be around children.
Fry the SOB. Idiots who want to copy-cat aiming lasers at aircraft need to be taught a lesson that they won't easily forget.
His photo is on the link, he is 38, should get out of prison at age 63.
Lied to the feds. Lock him up.
Never talk to the FBI. See Martha Stewart.
I'm with you-----the guy is an ass and deserves everything he gets.
I figure much of the blame here should fall with our irresponsible media. If they would stop sensationalizing this crap, feeble minded morons like this guy would never figure out how much trouble they could cause with a laser.
I figure much of the blame here should fall with our irresponsible media. If they would stop sensationalizing this crap, feeble minded morons like this guy would never figure out how much trouble they could cause with a laser.
Ah, so how does one charge him under the "Patriot Act", which is meant for terrorism? Any of you people still think these acts are in the best interest of Freedom?
Clearly not the same man, unless this David is the son of the beamer.
FBI didn't take lieing to them very well at all!
They never do.
From the pictures it seems that not only is David Banach a part time laser pointer and a fine figure of fatherhood but he also is seeking to resurrect the Eraserhead hairstyle too.
This is the same paper that lied before and said there were no money laundering laws in the Patriot Act.
I'll wait until I see a reputable report on what he was charged with and why.
with up to 25 years and $500k being threatened, I'd wonder how many people would be inclined to confess in the future. . . .
Charged under the Patriot Act...hmmm
I support his apprehension and the charges and I support the Patriot Act, but if it's not terrorism why charge him under the another law? Anyone know?
But it certainly does it's share. Guess it can't handle competition.
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