United Express Pilot Appears in Federal Court in Denver
| U.S. Attorney’s Office April 04, 2011 |
DENVER—Aaron Jason Cope, age 32, the United Express pilot who was indicted for flying while intoxicated, appeared in U.S. District Court in Denver this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Watanabe. Cope was advised of the criminal charge pending against him and the associated penalty. He was also arraigned. Cope appeared at today’s hearing with private counsel. A tentative trial date of June 6, 2011 has been set by U.S. District Court Judge Philip A. Brimmer. The defendant is free on a personal recognizance bond.
Cope faces one count of unlawfully operating and directing the operation of a commercial aircraft while under the influence of alcohol. If convicted, he faces not more than 15 years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
The charge against Cope is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.