Turlock man sentenced for pointing green laser at Sheriff’s helicopter
A Turlock man was sentenced Monday to two years and three months in prison for pointing a powerful green laser beam at the Stanislaus County Sheriff Department’s helicopter in 2017, according to the US Attorney’s Office.
Roger Shane John pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal charges of striking Air 101 five to six times with the laser, causing visual interference to the pilot and tactical flight officer and disrupting an air support response to a domestic violence call.
The laser John used emitted 85 milliwatts of power, which is 17 times more powerful than what is legally permissible for handheld laser devices, according to the US Attorney’s Office.
The laser strikes occurred within the Federal Aviation Administration‑designated laser-free zone of the Modesto Airport.
The Food and Drug Administration, which regulates handheld laser devices, has found that such power emission is dangerous and can cause either temporary visual effects or an eye injury.
Following the completion of his prison term, John will be on supervised release for three years.
