⏱ 2 min read
William Wilson, a 56-year-old man from Buckeye, Arizona, pleaded guilty to aiming a laser pointer at US Air Force F-35 fighter jets between September 2024 and January 2025. The reckless actions of Wilson put the lives of military pilots at risk, and he was caught after an FBI surveillance plane captured video of the laser strikes coming from his residence. The incident occurred while the F-35 jets were training in the airspace around Luke Air Force Base.
The FBI, in partnership with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, investigated the case and found two lasers, one red and one green, in Wilson’s possession during a search of his home. Wilson admitted to pointing the lasers at planes on several occasions, including the night of January 8, 2025, when pilots of the FBI plane and two F-35 jets were struck by the lasers.
US Attorney Timothy Courchaine stated that military pilots should not have to worry about threats from people on the ground while training, and that interfering with any aircraft is dangerous. The US Attorney’s Office will continue to protect pilots by bringing those who commit such crimes to justice.
Wilson was sentenced to 10 months in prison by United States District Judge Steven P. Logan on June 15. The sentence serves as a warning to others who might consider committing similar crimes, with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies focused on identifying and investigating those who endanger aircraft and their crews.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Arizona
- Location: AZ
- Source: DOJ Press Release
