33 months for man who shined laser at Philadelphia Police helicopter
“Williamsport man sentenced to 33 months for assaulting police helicopter with a laser”
That’s the headline of a release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s office detailing the sentencing of James Gautieri. Though the headline may spark laughter, Gautieri will have a long time behind bars to think about the seriousness of his crime.
Gautieri was convicted in August 2007 for shining a laser into the cockpit of a Philadelphia Police Department helicopter in April 2008. The light hit the pilot in the eyes.
The 54-year-old was sentenced to 33 months in prison, and must pay $10,000.
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