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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Beaverton, Oregon man was sentenced today for shining a high-powered green laser at a uniformed Federal Protective Service (FPS) officer providing security at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse during a protest in July 2020.
Andrew Steven Faulkner, 25, was sentenced to three years’ federal probation to include six months of home detention and 40 hours of community service.
According to court documents, in the early morning hours of July 5, 2020, Faulkner shined a high-powered green laser at an FPS officer working as a member of the security team at the Hatfield Federal Courthouse. The officer was struck in the eye by the laser and quickly moved to avoid prolonged exposure. The officer was able to identify Faulkner and observed him shining the laser in the direction of other officers. When officers approached Faulkner, he attempted to flee, but was ultimately apprehended. The laser, a SDLaser 303 with a warning label cautioning direct eye exposure, was located in Faulkner’s possession.
On July 6, 2020, Faulkner was charged by criminal information with one count of misdemeanor assault on a federal officer. He pleaded guilty to the charge on January 13, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by FPS and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley R. Cadotte prosecuted the case.
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