United States Attorney
A. Brian Albritton
Middle District of Florida

CONVICTED FELON INDICTED FOR SHOOTING AT ORANGE COUNTY POLICE HELICOPTER

Orlando, Florida—United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton announces the return of an indictment charging Jason Dennis McGuire (age 26, of Orlando) with the attempted destruction of an aircraft, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. If convicted on all counts, McGuire faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison. McGuire will make his initial appearance today at 2:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gregory J. Kelly.

According to the indictment, McGuire shot at an Orange County Sheriff's Department helicopter on March 21, 2010. McGuire has two prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. According to related state court documents, the Orange County Sheriff's Office received a call of shots being fired at McGuire's home. When deputies arrived, they saw McGuire firing a silver handgun at an Orange County Sheriff's Office Helicopter that had also been dispatched in response to the report of gunshots. The deputies arrested him.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Orange County Sheriff's Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel W. Eckhart.