Man who pointed laser at aircraft near LaGuardia Airport pleads guilty, could face 5 years

Published May 03, 2016

A man who aimed a laser pointer at planes near New York's LaGuardia Airport has pleaded guilty to a federal charge.

Elehecer Balaguer (behl-ah-GWEHR') entered the plea Tuesday in Manhattan federal court. He told a judge he flashed the laser out a window at planes.

Pilots of three passenger planes and a police helicopter told authorities they suffered eye injuries when a light beam was pointed at them as they flew near LaGuardia on March 9.

The defendant could face up to five years in prison at a September sentencing.

The judge asked prosecutors and defense lawyers to submit sentencing materials weeks ahead of time. He says it won't be a routine sentencing because of the defendant's history of psychological issues and apparent lack of wrongful intent.

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https://www.foxnews.com/us/man-who-pointed-laser-at-aircraft-near-laguardia-airport-pleads-guilty-could-face-5-years