HOUSTON — Four Houston-area residents face federal charges after authorities accused them of flying drones without authorization in restricted airspace near the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival, the United States Department of Justice announced Friday.
Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck announced the charges against John Alexander Meza, 26, Jordan Lee Zale, 38, Huu An Nguyen Dinh, 30, and Patrick Phillip Heer, 34.
According to the Justice Department, Heer allegedly operated a drone in restricted airspace near Polk and Chartres streets on June 13.
Prosecutors allege Meza flew a drone within a Temporary Flight Restriction zone along Live Oak Street near Texas Avenue and Capitol Street on June 11.
The department also alleges Zale operated a drone within the Temporary Flight Restriction on June 11 near Middle, Kennedy and Freund streets.
Authorities said Dinh allegedly flew a small drone within the restricted airspace on June 18 along Jefferson Street near Sampson and Pease streets.
Meza, Zale and Dinh are scheduled to appear in court on July 7, while Heer is scheduled to appear on July 8.
The Justice Department said the Federal Aviation Administration and local law enforcement designated FIFA World Cup stadiums and surrounding event areas, including Houston’s Fan Festival, as “No Drone Zones” to protect players, spectators and event personnel.
The department said operating, taking off or landing a drone within the restricted airspace without authorization violates federal and local regulations.