Man who landed gyrocopter at Capitol rejects 10-month deal

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Source: Washington Post

Public Safety



By Spencer S. Hsu July 22 at 1:45 PM 

The Florida postal worker who landed a gyrocopter at the U.S. Capitol to protest campaign finance laws appears headed for trial for his actions as prosecutors’ offer of a 10-month prison sentence is set to expire Wednesday, attorneys told a federal judge.

Douglas Hughes, 61, of Ruskin, Fla., appeared Wednesday morning before U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the District, where the judge said, “It appears we’re on a path for trial.”

Hughes faces as many as 9 1/2 years in prison on six felony and misdemeanor charges for flying his low-powered gyrocopter from Gettysburg, Pa., to the District on April 15 to deliver letters to members of Congress. Hughes has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors offered to seek a 10-month prison sentence if Hughes agreed to plead guilty to operating his lightweight craft without a registration, a felony, and to a misdemeanor count of violating federal airspace. ... But Hughes sought a sentence of less than six months, or to serve a portion at home or on community release, Assistant Federal Defender Tony W. Miles said.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/gyrocopter-pilot-seeks-to-raise-funds-add-1st-amendment-defense-lawyer/2015/07/21/d1d652c4-2fed-11e5-8f36-18d1d501920d_story.html

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I don't think that picture was taken today. I work near that courthouse, and as far as I know it didn't rain this morning. Possibly the sidewalks are wet from someone's watering the plants.

[onethatcares]

1. where do I

donate to his defense fund?

[Octafish]

2. Guy's a hero.

He pointed out how banksters and warmongers get all the money, while the rest of us pay for it.

He shouldn't just be on a stamp. Guy should be on the $50 bill.