Friday, February 7, 2025
47.3 F
Roseville

Roseville man gets 3 years for laser at helicopter

Roseville man heading to federal prison

Sacramento, Calif – United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that Balltazar Valladares, 30, of Roseville, was sentenced today by United States District Judge William B. Shubb to three years and one month in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for interfering with the safe operation of an aircraft. Valladares pleaded guilty on June 8, 2009.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Roseville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Air Marshals Service.

“These years in federal prison should give anyone pause when contemplating as reckless an act as potentially blinding a pilot who is operating an aircraft,” stated U.S. Attorney Brown.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Segal, who prosecuted the case, on March 16, 2009, a Southwest Airlines flight landing at Sacramento International Airport was hit by a green flashing laser light while flying over Roseville. Police dispatched to the area were unable to locate the source of the laser.

Approximately two hours later, the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department Air Unit STAR 5 flew over the area and was hit by a high-powered green laser. While the laser remained on the helicopter, STAR 5 flew in the direction of the light, coming within a 1/4 mile of the source of the laser. STAR 5 identified Valladares residence.

Roseville Police officers arrived at the residence and spoke with VALLADARES. He admitted that he had been shining the laser into the sky during the night and that he had shined the laser at the police helicopter. During a search of the residence, police found the laser in two pieces hidden in different parts of the defendant’s room.

The laser possessed by Valladares was seven times more powerful than the standards published by the Food and Drug Administration. High-powered lasers like the one used by the defendant have the potential to blind those who may look at it. As it concerns aircraft, the laser may interfere with pilots several kilometers away and can cause problems during critical phases of an aircraft’s operation, including takeoffs and landings.

Judge Shubb, in sentencing Valladares , noted his long criminal history and his “apparently sincere indication to turn his life around.” However, more important to the court was “the message that needs to be sent to others who might engage in this sort of conduct.” Judge Shubb said that a “message has to be sent out” because shining a laser onto aircraft in flight is a “very serious problem,” with “very, very serious consequences.”



Brighter Side

Trending

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy

As we age, we approach the "pausal" years. For women, it's known as Menopause. For men, it's known as Andropause. During these transitional times in life, it's as if the sex glands go into retirement and there can be a lot of changes,

Placer Conservation Authority takes step toward securing 4,245 acres of land easement acquisitions north of Lincoln

Auburn, Calif. - Approximately 4,245 acres of prime farmland, natural open space and environmental resources north of Lincoln is a step closer to being secured in perpetuity as part of the Placer County Conservation Program.

Boot Juice and Blü Egyptian in Auburn at Foothills Fillmore Feb 22

Auburn, Calif.- Keep Smilin' Promotions is bringing the much sought after Boot Juice to the Foothill Fillmore. The co-billed event also includes Blü Egyptian which has been described as "somewhere where Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Garcia, Joe Satriani & Buckethead are all infused in a Talking Heads state of mind."

Rocklin Unified and Rocklin Teachers Professional Association reach tentative agreement

Rocklin, Calif. - The Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) and the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Chapter #773, are pleased to announce a tentative agreement for the 2024-25 academic year.

Placer County takes action to preserve Vista Ranch

Lincoln, Calif. - A 279-acre property of blue oak woodlands along the south shore of Camp Far West Reservoir and the Bear River north of Lincoln is a step closer to being added to the Placer County Conservation Program.

Topics

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy

As we age, we approach the "pausal" years. For women, it's known as Menopause. For men, it's known as Andropause. During these transitional times in life, it's as if the sex glands go into retirement and there can be a lot of changes,

Placer Conservation Authority takes step toward securing 4,245 acres of land easement acquisitions north of Lincoln

Auburn, Calif. - Approximately 4,245 acres of prime farmland, natural open space and environmental resources north of Lincoln is a step closer to being secured in perpetuity as part of the Placer County Conservation Program.

Boot Juice and Blü Egyptian in Auburn at Foothills Fillmore Feb 22

Auburn, Calif.- Keep Smilin' Promotions is bringing the much sought after Boot Juice to the Foothill Fillmore. The co-billed event also includes Blü Egyptian which has been described as "somewhere where Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Garcia, Joe Satriani & Buckethead are all infused in a Talking Heads state of mind."

Rocklin Unified and Rocklin Teachers Professional Association reach tentative agreement

Rocklin, Calif. - The Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) and the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Chapter #773, are pleased to announce a tentative agreement for the 2024-25 academic year.

Placer County takes action to preserve Vista Ranch

Lincoln, Calif. - A 279-acre property of blue oak woodlands along the south shore of Camp Far West Reservoir and the Bear River north of Lincoln is a step closer to being added to the Placer County Conservation Program.

Wells Fargo Bank in Roseville on Douglas Blvd

Wells Fargo Bank on Douglas Blvd in Roseville. Lobby hours are Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. Closed on Sundays.

Ultimate Staffing in Roseville

Ultimate Staffing in Roseville. Employment agency that places temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire positions.

Sutter Imaging Roseville Parkway

Sutter Imaging Roseville Parkway. Offering a range of powerful diagnostic tools, including ultrasounds, MRIs and X-rays.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

California Fence and Patio serving Placer County for over 30 years

Loomis, Calif. - California Fence & Patio is proud of their reputation as the premier fencing and patio cover contractor in the Roseville,, Sacramento and Placer County region.

Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center emphasizes the use of prevention and natural therapeutics

Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center is a professional primary care natural medicine committed to helping all people reach their full potential – mind, body and spirit.

California Recovery Center in Roseville offers treatment for substance abuse and mental health

California Recovery Center (CRC) is a treatment provider for adults with substance abuse and mental health condition, located in Roseville and serving the greater Sacramento region.