WORCESTER – A federal jury in U.S. District Court in Worcester convicted a man for unlawfully operating a helicopter, making false statements to federal investigators and attempting to tamper with a witness.
Antonio Santonastaso, 62, of East Brookfield, was convicted of one count of serving as an airman without an airman certificate, one count of making false statements to federal agents and one count of attempted witness tampering, after a three-day trial. The judge scheduled sentencing for October 6.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revoked Santonastaso’s license to pilot an aircraft in 2000, after he allegedly participated in the theft of a helicopter from Norwood Memorial Airport. Federal prosecutors say that despite being aware of that revocation, Santonastaso operated a helicopter April 28, 2018, and November 11, 2018. They say he took off and landed over 50 times from his property during that time.
When questioned by the FAA, Santonastaso allegedly made false statements regarding his eligibility to pilot the helicopter. He claims the event that led to to the FAA’s revocation of his license were a fabrication.
Prosecutors presented evidence during the trial which prosecutors say shows Santonastaso attempted to corruptly persuade an individual to hinder, delay and prevent that individual from reporting his illegal helicopter flights to law enforcement.
The charging statutes provide for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
