Maryland State Wire

A Maryland man, Alexis Perez Suarez, has pled guilty to violating national defense airspace by operating a drone over M&T Bank Stadium during an NFL Wild Card game on January 11, 2025. The plea was accepted by Magistrate Judge Charles D. Austin, who sentenced Suarez to one year of supervised probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $500 fine.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Kelly O. Hayes announced the guilty plea alongside Amanda M. Koldjeski from the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, Greg Thompson from the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General's Mid-Atlantic Regional Office, and Colonel Roland L. Butler Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.

The Federal Aviation Administration had implemented a temporary flight restriction (TFR) around M&T Bank Stadium for the playoff game, designating it as a No Drone Zone and prohibiting any Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations within three nautical miles of the stadium.

"Public safety is a top priority," stated Hayes. "Suarez knew that M&T Bank Stadium was under a temporary flight restriction, yet he flew his drone into the airspace anyway." Hayes emphasized that there is "a zero-tolerance policy for operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems in No Drone Zones."

Koldjeski remarked on the dangers associated with such actions: "It is not just irresponsible and reckless but illegal to fly a drone over a major sporting event such as a Ravens playoff game." She affirmed that violators would be held accountable.

Thompson highlighted federal regulations' role in maintaining safety: "Federal laws regulating the use of drones exist for a reason: to protect people and keep our skies safe." He noted that flying drones illegally at crowded events is particularly hazardous.

The TFRs are standard practice for venues hosting significant sporting events like NFL games and go into effect one hour before until one hour after these events.

During this particular incident, NFL Security temporarily halted the game due to the threat posed by Suarez's drone incursion. Law enforcement tracked and located where Suarez's drone landed despite his departure from the scene.

Suarez admitted to not having registered his drone or obtaining necessary training and licensing to operate it legally. He also confessed to capturing photos while flying over thousands attending the game below.

Hayes commended various agencies involved in investigating this case and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert I. Goldaris for prosecuting it.

For more information about initiatives by Maryland’s U.S. Attorney’s Office, visit their official website.