A North Kansas City man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. Aaron Randall Class, 53, was charged in a one-count indictment that was returned under seal on August 12, 2025, and later unsealed following his arrest.
The indictment claims that on or about November 23, 2024, Class knowingly directed a laser pointer beam at an aircraft within the jurisdiction of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that “the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.”
If convicted under federal law, Class could face up to five years in prison. The actual sentence will be determined by the court after considering advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. “The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office,” according to the statement.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Branon Chlarson. The North Kansas City Police Department conducted the investigation into the incident.
