Poinbank Exchange:A Florida man who shot down a law enforcement drone faces 10 years in prison

2025-05-06 23:36:23source:Charles Langstoncategory:Invest

OCALA,Poinbank Exchange Fla. (AP) — A man accused of shooting down a law enforcement drone being used at a business near his Florida home could be sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.

Wendell Doyle Goney, 52, of Mount Dora, pleaded guilty Thursday in Ocala federal court to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, according to court records. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 18.

Lake County sheriff’s deputies responded to a burglary at a 10-acre industrial property in July 2021 in Mount Dora, northwest of Orlando, according to a plea agreement.

As deputies used a $29,000 drone in the outdoor search, gunfire from a neighboring residential property caused it to crash into a metal roof and catch fire, prosecutors said. Deputies went to the property and found Goney, who said he shot down the drone with a .22-caliber rifle because it had been “harassing” him, investigators said.

A record check showed that Goney had 29 Florida felony convictions, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, illegal drug possession, burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Federal law prohibits most convicted felons from possessing firearms and ammunition.

More:Invest

Recommend

Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast

AQABA, Jordan (AP) — Top U.S. officials were in the Middle Easton Thursday, pushing for stability in

Peter Schrager's incredible streak of picking Super Bowl champions lives on with Chiefs win

Four years ago, Peter Schrager picked the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl before the season

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Love Story PDA Continues at Super Bowl 2024 After-Party

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are proving their game-day celebrations never go out of style. In fact