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D.C. Jury Acquits Jacob Winkler of Laser Charges

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A D.C. jury found Jacob Winkler not guilty of felony charges for allegedly shining a laser at Marine One.
The verdict marks a setback for U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who pursued the case.
Pirro, appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump, has faced criticism for prosecutions that often end in acquittals.
Critics say such prosecutions inflate crime statistics and divert attention from significant issues.
The U.S. Attorney's Office did not comment.

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Story summary

A D.C. jury found Jacob Winkler not guilty of felony charges for allegedly shining a laser at Marine One.
The verdict marks a setback for U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who pursued the case.
Pirro, appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump, has faced criticism for prosecutions that often end in acquittals.
Critics say such prosecutions inflate crime statistics and divert attention from significant issues.
The U.S. Attorney's Office did not comment.