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

2025-05-07 23:15:49source:EchoSense Quantitative Think Tank Centercategory:News

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:News

Recommend

Rob Schneider seeks forgiveness from daughter Elle King after 'fat camp' claims

Rob Schneider is fessing up to his shortcomings after oldest daughter Elle King accused him of being

Homeowners face soaring insurance costs as violent storms wreak havoc

Insurance companies are hiking the cost of homeowners coverage to offset the growing risk posed by p

Why Shania Twain Doesn’t “Hate” Ex-Husband Robert “Mutt” Lange for Alleged Affair

Holding Grudges? That don't impress Shania Twain much.The "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" singer shared