Overview
- Mitchell Parsons Hughes, 47, pleaded guilty on December 5 to knowingly violating national defense airspace after flying a drone over Truist Park during the July 15 All-Star Game.
- U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell Vineyard imposed six months of probation and a $500 fine.
- The FAA had a Temporary Flight Restriction that created a one-nautical-mile No Drone Zone from one hour before to one hour after the event.
- Prosecutors said Hughes ignored control-panel warnings, used an unregistered drone, and lacked required training and a remote pilot certificate.
- The FBI and the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General led the investigation, with the U.S. Attorney crediting the FAA and Cobb County Police and warning that future violations will be prosecuted.