A man aimed a laser pointer at U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter jets for nearly four months, from September 2024 to January 2025, creating a safety risk for fighter pilots and the crew.
Now, William Wilson, 56, of Buckeye, Arizona, has been sentenced to ten months in prison. Interfering with any aircraft is extremely dangerous and is considered a federal felony.
Wilson reportedly struck multiple F-35 jets with his laser pointer near Luke Air Force Base. He also did not spare an FBI surveillance plane that captured a video of him pointing the laser.
The punishment is a message to everyone that even the smallest of violations that endanger defense personnel will not be tolerated.
U.S. Attorney Says Pilots Will be Protected From “Bad Actors”
In a statement by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Attorney Timothy Courchaine said pilots who risk their lives to protect American citizens must not face any kind of threat from the ground. He said:
“Military pilots risk their lives to protect Americans. They should not have to worry about threats from people on the ground when they are training here at home. Interfering with any aircraft is dangerous and the United States Attorney’s Office can and will protect our pilots by bringing bad actors to justice.”
Pilots aboard an FBI surveillance aircraft and an F-35 were struck by Wilson’s laser on the night of January 8, 2025. The source was located at Wilson’s residence in Buckeye, which was eventually searched by authorities.
Two Lasers Were Found at Wilson’s Residence
Authorities found a red laser and a green laser in his possession. He eventually admitted to agents that he had pointed lasers at several planes. The investigation was carried out by the FBI’s Phoenix Division and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day said about the incident:
“Directing a laser pointer at aircraft of any kind, much less an F-35 Air Force fighter jet, is extremely dangerous and a federal felony. The FBI advises people to think twice before committing this crime because we’re focused on identifying and investigating people who do, and a federal prosecution could lead you straight to prison.”
Special Agent Keith M. Daniels, Senior Enlisted Leader, AFOSI Detachment 421, added:
“Interfering with aircraft by pointing lasers or any other means is dangerous and illegal. It puts the safety of the aircrew, passengers, and everyone on the ground in jeopardy. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations will continue to partner with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to hold offenders accountable for their actions.”