HOUSTON \u2013 Four residents of the Houston area are facing federal charges, accused of flying drones within the boundaries of the Temporary Flight Restriction zone established near the FIFA World Cup Fan Zone, the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office said.<\/p>\n
John Alexander Meza, 26, La Porte; Jordan Lee Zale, 38, Richmond; and Huu An Nguyen Dinh, 30, Pearland, are all expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett on July 7. Patrick Phillip Heer, 34, Katy, is scheduled for July 8.<\/p>\n
According to one complaint, on or about June 13, law enforcement observed Heer operating a drone in restricted airspace in the vicinity of Polk and Chartres Streets in Houston.\u00a0The charges allege it was specifically within the boundaries of the Temporary Flight Restriction zone established near the FIFA World Cup Fan Zone just east of downtown Houston.\u00a0Heer was operating the drone, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
In a separate, but similar case, on or about June 11, law enforcement allegedly observed a small drone flying in the TFR zone near 612 Live Oak Street in Houston.\u00a0The charges allege Meza was the pilot of that drone.<\/p>\n
On that same date, another complaint indicates that a small drone was flying near 633 Middle Street in Houston, also within the TFR zone.\u00a0Law enforcement determined Zale was operating the drone, according to the allegations.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the 4th\u00a0matter, Dinh was charged with also violating national defense airspace by flying a small drone June 18 in the vicinity of 3305 Jefferson Street in Houston. This area is also within the TFR zone, according to the charges. \u00a0<\/p>\n
The U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office says to ensure a safe environment for all players, attendees and staff, Federal Aviation Administration and law enforcement have officially designated all FIFA World Cup stadiums and surrounding event spaces, to include Houston\u2019s Fan Zone, as strict \u201cNo Drone Zones.\u201d\u00a0This means that unauthorized drone flights are strictly prohibited in the designated airspace and surrounding grounds. During such major sporting events FAA implements temporary flight restrictions to limit air travel and secure the airspace. Taking off, landing or flying a drone within these restricted areas is a serious violation of federal and local regulations.<\/p>\n
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