Pilot who landed gyrocopter at US Capitol facing 6 charges

Douglas Hughes is scheduled to appear today in federal court in Washington

A man who piloted a gyrocopter through miles of America's most restricted airspace before landing at the US Capitol is now facing charges that carry up to 9-and-a-half years in prison.

The US attorney's office for the District of Columbia said yesterday in a statement that a grand jury has indicted Douglas Hughes on six charges. He is scheduled to appear today in federal court in Washington.

Hughes said in a telephone interview yesterday afternoon that he had arrived in Washington and would be making a statement after his appearance in court.

"We are looking at a case where there was no injury and no property damage, and the requirements as far as what the prosecution is asking for include years of jail time. The penalties that they are demanding are not consistent with the damage," he said

A federal public defender listed in the court's online record as representing Hughes did not immediately respond yesterday afternoon to a telephone message and email requesting comment.

Hughes, who took off from southwestern Pennsylvania, was arrested April 15 after he landed on the Capitol's West Lawn. Hughes has said his flight was intended to call attention to the influence of big money in politics. The stunt also led to a congressional hearing and exposed a gap in ensuring the safety of buildings in the city.