San Antonio Woman Sentenced for Laser Attack on Helicopter

Sandra Roberson, a 60-year-old woman from San Antonio, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for aiming a laser pointer at a San Antonio Police Department helicopter on November 3, 2023. Her actions not only endangered the flight crew and the public but also forced the helicopter to divert from a shooting investigation. Roberson was arrested on January 30, 2024, and pleaded guilty on September 5, with U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza emphasizing the severe risks associated with such illegal behavior. The case was investigated by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the San Antonio Police Department. Federal law prohibits pointing laser devices at aircraft, carrying penalties that can include significant prison time and fines. In 2023 alone, the FAA recorded over 13,000 laser strikes against aircraft, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by such actions.