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US: Year probation, $8,000 fine for "bored" Milwaukee man

Jeremiah Belen, 39
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US

Jeremiah Belen laser

Laser strikes occurred seven times between May 31 and June 7 2021 in the summer of 2020 during protests in Milwaukee. An FBI surveillance airplane and a Wisconsin National Guard helicopter were targeted. The FBI crew began wearing anti-laser goggles to protect against bright laser light. A camera on board their aircraft was used to determine the laser's location.

Ground officers then went in and arrested 39-year-old Jeremiah Belen, a resident of Milwaukee.

Belen apologized to the judge during his sentencing. He said he had the laser for astronomy pointing with his two children. Belen said he aimed at the aircraft because he was bored after being laid off during the COVID pandemic.

Prosecutors said they wanted the felony conviction to "send a message" that aiming at aircraft, especially during civil unrest, is dangerous.

Belen could have received up to five years in prison for his action, but was given probation due to no previous criminal history and having found a job since his arrest.

From 715 Newsroom, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via MSN