CINCINNATI — Two Cincinnati-area men were charged with federal crimes after allegedly flying drones illegally over professional sporting events in Cincinnati.

A federal grand jury charged the men in separate incidents involving the Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds.

What You Need To Know

  • Two Cincinnati-area men were charged with federal crimes after allegedly flying drones illegally over professional sporting events

  • Dailon Dabney, 24, reportedly flew his drone into the stadium and hovered over players and portions of the stadium crowd at a Bengals game in January

  • Travis Lenhoff, 38, of Northern Kentucky, reportedly flew a drone into the restricted flight area of Great American Ballpark during the Reds' Opening Day

  • Each defendant was charged with operating an unregistered drone, which is a federal crime punishable by as many as three years in prison

On Jan. 15, the Bengals hosted an NFL playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium, now PayCor Stadium.

Allegedly, during the game, Dailon Dabney, 24, illegally flew his drone into the stadium and hovered over players and portions of the stadium crowd. Dabney allegedly recorded his drone flight and posted the video to social media sites and YouTube. 

“This is a growing problem that poses a direct risk to the players and the individuals in the stands,” U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker said in a news release. “Even if the operator does not have an intent to harm, the operator could easily lose control and injure someone. Moreover, the sight of a drone flying overhead could lead to a panic in the crowd. If you attend these events like Reds games and Bengals games, leave the drones at home.”

On April 12, Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds, Travis Lenhoff, 38, of Northern Kentucky, allegedly flew a drone into the restricted flight area of Great American Ballpark during Opening Day festivities. 

“Flying a drone over a stadium full of fans is dangerous and illegal without the proper FAA training, licensing, and approved flight plan,” said FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers. “We will continue to work with the FAA and local police to investigate these incidents when proper FAA protocols and procedures are not followed.”

All drones that weigh more than .55 pounds and less than 55 pounds must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. Neither of the men’s drones were registered and they do not have a remote pilot certification. 

Each defendant is charged with operating an unregistered drone, which is a federal crime punishable by up to three years in prison. Dabney is also charged with violating a temporary flight restriction (punishable by up to one year in prison).

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Teresa A. Theetge and Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey announced the charges.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy S. Mangan is representing the United States in the case.

Indictments contain allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.