A Winter Park man, who flashed an Orange County Sheriff’s helicopter with a laser light, interfering with its operation, pled guilty today before a U.S. District Court Judge.
Frank Newton Anderson, 43, who was arrested on April 13, 2010, had earlier worked out a plea agreement in Orlando federal court.
Investigators say, Newton aimed a green laser beam at the OSCO helicopter on routine patrol temporarily blinding the pilot. After the helicopter was illuminated a second time, the helicopter pilot and flight observer directed ground units to Newton’s location. A laser which emits a green-colored, high-intensity beam of laser light was found about 100 yards from where Newton was stopped and eventually arrested by OCSO deputies.
Newton’s sentencing is set for April 20, 2011 before Judge Sharp. Newton faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
