Feds seek prison for Detroit-area man who hit federal agents in helicopter with laser

Federal prosecutors are seeking a 20-month prison sentence for a Detroit-area man who admits aiming a green laser at federal agents inside a helicopter.

Dennis Berthiaume was playing with the laser in 2010 when he aimed it at a helicopter patrolling a neighborhood for human smugglers. The pilot became disoriented and lowered his special goggles to protect himself.

Berthiaume is returning to federal court Wednesday for his sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Martin says the 44-year-old Madison Heights man deserves prison for actions that could have caused a crash.

Berthiaume's lawyer is seeking probation for his client. Michael Friedman says Berthiaume has limited intellect, which could have contributed to the laser incident.

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