FBI says man flew drone in restricted airspace
Up to a year in prison for flying a drone?
That’s what a Weston man faces if convicted of flying his drone in temporarily restricted airspace above Ocean Drive and Eighth Street in South Beach.
Yorgan Arnaldo Ramos Teran, 46, of Weston, was charged with violating the Federal Aviation Administration’s temporary flight restrictions set up to protect the public during Super Bowl 54 and the week leading up to the game.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George Piro, a special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Miami Field Office, announced the charge on Friday.
The game is Sunday evening at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, but major Super Bowlthemed events, concerts and parties have lured thousands to Miami Beach, downtown Miami, Fort Lauderdale and other surrounding cities since Monday.
According to the FBI, Ramos Teran illegally flew a drone into the temporarily restricted airspace in Miami Beach on Wednesday night. But he didn’t have the required authorization from the FAA.
Ramos Teran was charged with “knowingly and willfully violating national defense airspace” for flying his drone in an area with a temporary flight restriction imposed by the FAA. He told the FBI he wanted to capture images of Super Bowl-related festivities in South Beach.
If convicted, Ramos Teran could face up to one year in federal prison. Ramos Teran was scheduled for his first appearance before a federal magistrate judge Friday afternoon.
Weeks before Super Sunday, federal security officials have undertaken strict safety measures to protect the thousands of fans flocking to South Florida for the big game and its myriad events, like the Super Bowl Experience at Miami Beach’s Convention Center and major concerts on Watson Island and the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami.
Among these Super Bowl-related restrictions: The FAA established “No Drone Zones.”
As of Friday afternoon, the FBI reported 77 drone incidents within the no drone zones and restricted areas. Four drones were seized. Flying a drone in these areas can end up in civil penalties and criminal charges.
“The FBI was given countering unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) authority in 2018 with the passage of the Preventing Emerging Threats Act,” the FBI said. “We are prepared to utilize that authority if such a decision is made to maintain the security of the event.”
Howard Cohen: 305-376-3619, @HowardCohen