So I spoke to Jay on the phone and let me just say, really a nice guy. I've been to Shreveport many times for work and the people in that area are some of the nicest people you will meet. Just a "small town" feel where people are down to earth. Jay works as a DJ mainly so people know him in the area. He says that many people have contacted him and spoken to him about this situation. He was flying his drone at the time at the request of his friend that works at the local newspaper. He says a group of security guards came up to him and asked him about what he was doing. Jay complied and talked to them about everything. He's not some big newspaper reporter or anything like that, he was just getting some footage for a friend.
He's been charged with 5 counts at $50/each. The newspaper has offered to put him in contact with their attorney. It's not clear if Jay will have any expenses or if he will plead guilty, not guilty or if the charges will be dropped.
If you've read the review that an attorney made of the case I think it's pretty clear that this is another case of law enforcement not understanding the laws or the US Constitution. It's also a case of them thinking that they can rule against people _just_ because they are flying a drone.
Jay gave me his permission to post his email address here. I'm asking people to consider donating a few bucks via PayPal to Jay to help him out. Again, it's not known if he will face a fine or any expenses. But the way I look at it, he's going through a hardship as a result of flying his drone legally. I think done fliers need to support other drone fliers. Also, $5 or $10 would not be a lot to some of us but added up I think it would help Jay out.
I'm _hoping_ that he fights this issue. I'm betting that prosecutor looks at this and just dismissed the charges so that they don't get ruled against. If that happens it's great for Jay but I'd _LOVE_ to see a court case get ruled on by a judge.
Email:
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