Cheektowaga man pleads guilty to pointing a laser at an aircraft

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joseph L. Crapsi, 29, of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to pointing a laser pointer at an aircraft, which carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that on March 2, 2024, a Delta Airlines flight was in flight and on approach to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Crapsi lives in the flight path of the airport and aimed the beam of a green laser pointer at the Delta Flight.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Patterson, the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 21, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.   

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