CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte man appeared in federal court today and pleaded guilty to operating a drone in a prohibited area near the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT airport), announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Marco Antonio Ochoa, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark T. Odulio.
According to plea documents and court proceedings, in March 2026, Ochoa operated an unmanned aerial vehicle, commonly referred to as a drone, without authorization, within a runway exclusion zone at the CLT airport. Ochoa launched and flew the drone at the Airport Overlook, a public park designed to allow visitors to observe airplanes land and take-off. The Airport Overlook is located between two active runways at the CLT airport. Drones are not permitted to fly near airport runways.
“Flying drones is a fun activity but can be dangerous if flown in prohibited areas,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “That’s why it’s important for operators to be familiar with any flight restrictions and permit requirements before launching drones. Flying in restricted areas can land you in hot water with federal authorities.”
“Operating a drone carries significant responsibilities, and federal law makes clear that misuse of unmanned aircraft systems—especially in restricted airspace or in ways that endanger the public—will not be tolerated,” said Reid Davis, the FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge. “The FBI urges all drone users to educate themselves on federal regulations, understand airspace restrictions, and follow safety guidelines before each flight. By taking these steps, operators help protect their communities and avoid violations that can result in substantial fines and criminal penalties. We will continue working with our partners to investigate unlawful drone activity and enforce the standards designed to keep the public safe.”
“Those who operate drones unlawfully near our nation’s airports put the safety of the traveling public at risk, and the Federal Air Marshal Service remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who threaten the security of our transportation systems,” said Roberta Vickerman, Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge of the Federal Air Marshal Service, Charlotte Field Office.
Ochoa’s offense carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, and up to a year of supervised release. A sentencing date has not been set.
The FBI and the Federal Air Marshal Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kelly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
The Federal Aviation Administration maintains the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System, including airspace restrictions or Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). TFRs restrict aircrafts (including drones) from operating without permission in a certain area. Checking for TFRs before every drone flight is required by federal law. Active TFRs are published on FAA’s TFR list . For additional information, including who can fly a drone, where and when they can be flown, and what you must do before flying a drone, visit FAA’s website .
If you spot unsafe drone activity, report it immediately by calling 9-1-1 or 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — Western District of North Carolina — U.S. Department of Justice press release.