Stephen Paul Riley, Destruction of Aircraft, Texas 2008

WICHITA FALLS, Texas – In a shocking case of aerial vigilantism, Stephen Paul Riley, 41, of Olney, Texas, pleaded guilty to shooting a crop-dusting aircraft over his commercial hunting and residential property, the Flying Lead Ranch, on February 22, 2008.

According to documents filed in the case, Riley fired multiple bullets at the aircraft with a firearm, striking it and causing significant damage. The aircraft, leased by Keeter Aerial Spraying, was flying over property adjacent to the ranch when Riley opened fire.

The damage to the aircraft was extensive, with one bullet striking the rudder cable and nearly severing it. A bullet or bullet fragment also struck the V-strut bar, approximately one and one-half inches from the connector bolt. Bullets or bullet fragments caused a hole in the aircraft’s left rear wing and indentations on the plane’s left side.

Riley’s motive for the attack was rooted in a long-standing feud with Keeter Aerial Spraying. Documents filed in the case state that prior to the incident, Riley threatened the owner of Keeter’s, both in person and by phone, that he would shoot down any crop-duster that flew over his hunting ranch.

In August 2010, officials with Texas Parks and Wildlife executed a search warrant at the Flying Lead Ranch and discovered a disc containing video footage of Riley firing approximately 23 shots at another Keeter aircraft in July 2007. When questioned by a Texas Ranger in September 2010, Riley admitted to shooting at Keeter aircraft on more than one occasion, as he had threatened to do.

Riley faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for May 21, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor. The case is being investigated by the Texas Rangers and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Miller is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas announced the guilty plea. The case highlights the dangers of vigilantism and the importance of upholding the rule of law.

Riley will remain on bond until his sentencing hearing in May. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting the rights of others, even in the face of perceived threats or trespassing.

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