Please E-mail suggested additions, comments and/or corrections to Kent@MoreLaw.Com.
Help support the publication of case reports on MoreLaw
United States of America v. Aspen August Schaffer
Date: 05-02-2025
Case Number:
Judge:
Court: The United States District Court for the District of Idaho
Plaintiff's Attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office for Coeur d'Alene
Defendant's Attorney:
Click Here For The Best Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory
Click Here For The Best Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory
Description:
Post Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Pointing Laser at Helicopter
Aspen August Schaffer, 31, of Post Falls, was sentenced to 35 months in federal prison for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today. Schaffer will serve an additional 3 years on supervised release after he is released from prison.
According to court records, Schaffer was indicted in September 2024 by a grand jury and charged with aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft in violation of federal law. On August 16, 2024, Schaffer was out with friends and pointed a bright green laser at the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office helicopter as it flew overhead. The laser struck the helicopter multiple times and impaired the vision of the pilot, the sergeant and the deputy who were on board. The helicopter lost altitude, but the pilot regained control and brought the helicopter back up to altitude. Law enforcement tracked the car Schaffer was in and arrested him. Schaffer had a blood alcohol level of .11 when he was booked into jail. Schaffer was known to law enforcement and has prior felony convictions.
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, and the City of Coeur d'Alene Police Department which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci J. Whelan prosecuted the case.
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with
Post Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Pointing Laser at Helicopter
Aspen August Schaffer, 31, of Post Falls, was sentenced to 35 months in federal prison for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today. Schaffer will serve an additional 3 years on supervised release after he is released from prison.
According to court records, Schaffer was indicted in September 2024 by a grand jury and charged with aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft in violation of federal law. On August 16, 2024, Schaffer was out with friends and pointed a bright green laser at the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office helicopter as it flew overhead. The laser struck the helicopter multiple times and impaired the vision of the pilot, the sergeant and the deputy who were on board. The helicopter lost altitude, but the pilot regained control and brought the helicopter back up to altitude. Law enforcement tracked the car Schaffer was in and arrested him. Schaffer had a blood alcohol level of .11 when he was booked into jail. Schaffer was known to law enforcement and has prior felony convictions.
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, and the City of Coeur d'Alene Police Department which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci J. Whelan prosecuted the case.
Outcome:
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:
About This Case
What was the outcome of United States of America v. Aspen August Schaffer?
The outcome was:
Which court heard United States of America v. Aspen August Schaffer?
This case was heard in The United States District Court for the District of Idaho, ID.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Aspen August Schaffer?
Plaintiff's attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office for Coeur d'Alene. Defendant's attorney: Click Here For The Best Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory.
When was United States of America v. Aspen August Schaffer decided?
This case was decided on May 2, 2025.