Margarito Tristan III, Laser Assault, Texas 2013

Margarito Tristan III Lasers Customs Helicopter, Sentenced to 18 Months

In a shocking incident, Margarito Tristan III, 28, of Donna, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for aiming a laser at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter. The incident occurred on March 7, 2013, during a night training operation in a CBP helicopter designated Omaha 26A.

Tristan pleaded guilty on July 1, 2013, to the charges of laser assault. Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez handed down the sentence, citing concerns for the lives of the pilots and those on the ground. The court noted that had the helicopter gone down, the consequences could have been catastrophic.

On the night of the incident, the CBP Air and Marine officers were conducting a training flight near Weslaco when they were illuminated by a green laser. The pilots' eyes were irradiated by the laser, causing disorientation. After altering course, the aircrew used their night vision goggles to detect the source of the laser, which was later found to be a vehicle driven by Tristan.

Law enforcement officers on the ground were directed to the vehicle, and a traffic stop was conducted. A green laser was recovered from the vehicle, and Tristan admitted to using it to illuminate the helicopter. The investigation was a joint effort between the FBI, Customs and Border Protection, Texas Department of Public Safety, Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department, and the Donna Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Steven Schammel is prosecuting the case. Tristan was initially permitted release upon posting bond but remains in custody due to his inability to post bond. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of laser assault and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

The sentence handed down by Judge Alvarez is a clear message that laser assault will not be tolerated. Tristan's actions put the lives of the pilots and those on the ground at risk, and he must now face the consequences of his actions.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/donna-man-sentenced-lasering-customs-and-border-protection-helicopter