Mitchell Parsons Hughes, a resident of Decatur, Georgia, has pleaded guilty to violating federal law by flying a drone over Truist Park during the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in July 2025. He was sentenced to six months’ probation and fined $500.
“Anyone attempting to fly a drone in a prohibited manner can expect to be prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Flight restrictions are implemented for the safety of everyone, whether at the event or nearby. My office and its partners will enforce the law to protect the community whenever a major event, such as the upcoming FIFA World Cup, is hosted in our district.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown stated: “Flying a small drone means you are flying an aircraft, and unsafe behavior will cost you. These actions can be dangerous to the public and interfere with security operations.”
Joseph Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General’s Southern Region, added: "Drone regulations protect the public and ensure the safety of our national airspace. Flying drones illegally—especially above large sporting events filled with families, friends, and fans—poses serious risks. This guilty plea highlights our continued dedication to working with our law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable and avert dangerous incidents."
According to information presented in court by U.S. Attorney Hertzberg and official documents, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued a temporary flight restriction (TFR) for Truist Park on July 15, 2025—the day of the MLB All-Star Game—designating it as a No Drone Zone within one nautical mile of the stadium. TFRs are routinely established for stadiums hosting major sporting events such as those held by NFL, MLB, NCAA Division I football teams, Major League Soccer matches, and NASCAR races. The restrictions typically start one hour before an event begins and end one hour after it concludes.
Authorities maintain a zero-tolerance policy for unauthorized drone use within these zones; violators may face arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment.
During the game at Truist Park, Hughes flew his drone directly over the venue despite receiving warnings about flight restrictions from his drone’s control panel. He also admitted that his drone was unregistered and that he did not possess required training or licensing—including a remote pilot certificate—to operate it legally.
Hughes pleaded guilty on December 5 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell Vineyard to knowingly violating national defense airspace.
The case was investigated by both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Transportation - Office of Inspector General. U.S. Attorney Hertzberg also recognized contributions from FAA officials and Cobb County Police Department personnel during their investigation.
For more details about this case or other matters involving federal prosecution in northern Georgia visit http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.