Pennsylvania Man Indicted for Shining Laser into Cockpit of Police Helicopter

United States Attorney Michael L. Levy announced today the filing of a one-count indictment charging Lenny Tavarez with destruction of an aircraft or aircraft facilities.

According to the indictment, Tavarez was involved in an incident on October 2, 2008 during which he shined a laser into the cockpit of a Philadelphia Police Department helicopter during routine patrol, striking a pilot in the eyes.

INFORMATION REGARDING THE DEFENDANTS
NAME	ADDRESS	AGE OR DATE OF BIRTH
LENNY TAVAREZ	Philadelphia	1988

Tavarez faces a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment, three years' supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department.

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