A Cheektowaga man has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for aiming a laser pointer at a commercial airliner approaching Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that 31-year-old Joseph Crapsi was sentenced on Friday by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo after being convicted of pointing a laser pointer at an aircraft.
According to federal prosecutors, the incident occurred on March 2, 2024, as a Delta Air Lines flight was on final approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Authorities said Crapsi, who lives beneath the airport’s flight path, intentionally aimed the beam from a green laser pointer at the aircraft during its approach.
Federal officials have warned that shining lasers at aircraft can temporarily impair or distract pilots during critical phases of flight, creating a serious safety hazard.
In addition to the 18-month prison sentence, Crapsi will also be subject to any additional conditions imposed by the court following his release.
