FBI indicts local man for pointing laser beam at aircraft

The United States Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday, Feb. 7, that Brian David Monday, 30, of St. Charles was charged with pointing a green laser beam into the cockpit of an airplane and a helicopter while they were in flight Nov. 4. The alleged incidents took place in St. Charles County.

Monday was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of interfering with an airplane and a helicopter.

“It is important to understand that the laser is no longer a pinpoint but a bright spotlight by the time it hits an aircraft, said Thomas R. Metz, acting special agent in charge of the FBI St. Louis Division. “It interferes with the operation of an aircraft because pilots are temporarily blinded.”

If convicted, this charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.