Adam Santiago Lugo, 41, of Ocala, Florida, has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. The incident took place on August 2, 2025. Lugo pointed a green laser at a Marion County Sheriff’s Office helicopter from his home. The helicopter was assisting in a burglary investigation at the time. The crew had to rely on instruments and shield their eyes from the laser.
Authorities found Lugo in his front yard. He was wearing binoculars and holding the laser pointer. Lugo admitted to pointing the laser at the helicopter. He said he recognized the helicopter as a regular presence over his house. Lugo was arrested at the scene. He faces up to five years in federal prison. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled…