A Baltimore man, Alexis Perez Suarez, is facing serious time after the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland charged him with multiple federal felonies following his unauthorized drone activity during an NFL Wild Card Game. According to a press release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Suarez flew the drone over M&T Bank Stadium, causing a disruption that led to the game's suspension. This information comes in light of the Federal Aviation Administration's strict temporary flight restrictions (TFR), establishing a drone-free zone within a three-nautical mile radius of scheduled sporting events.
As officials from the FBI, DOT OIG, and Maryland State Police crack the case, it has been revealed by U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron, who highlighted the risk drones pose to public safety, "We are very serious about temporary flight restrictions,” said U.S. Attorney Barron. “You will be charged and held accountable for any incursion into restricted airspace, including around sports and entertainment venues such as the Super Bowl." Suarez's drone wasn't registered and lacked the required remote pilot certificate. The FBI's William J. DelBagno stated, "If you are going to fly a drone, you are responsible for learning all the laws and requirements to responsibly operate it. As the U.S. Attorney's Office reported, "failing to do so will not excuse you from the consequences of breaking the law," demonstrating drone operators' expectations and responsibilities.
Support from various security agencies, including the FAA Office of Security & Hazardous Materials Safety and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, was vital in investigating and prosecuting this case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert I. Goldaris prosecuted. If convicted, the consequences are dire for Suarez, who faces a maximum of three years in federal prison for knowingly operating an unregistered UAS and for lacking an airman’s certificate. Additionally, he could serve up to one year for willfully violating National Defense Airspace.
