A Lake County, Florida, man has to pay $29,000 to the sheriff’s office and faces up to a decade in federal prison because he shot down a sheriff’s drone in 2021.
Wendell D. Goney, 52, pleaded guilty Friday to possessing a firearm as a felon.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting Down Sheriff’s Drone, Faces Up to 10 Years
His plea deal includes a damages payment of $29,034—the value of the drone—to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and a possible 10-year federal prison term.
by Staff
October 10, 2023
Booking photo of Wendell D. Goney taken in 2021 following his arrest over destruction of a Lake County Sheriff's drone.
Credit:
Lake County Sheriff's Office
His plea deal includes a damages payment of $29,034—the value of the drone—to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and a possible 10-year federal prison term.
Deputies responded to a possible burglary at a property in Mount Dora, Florida, next door to Goney’s home, July 11, 2021. To help with the search, they deployed a drone to survey the area.
They then heard gunshots from nearby and saw the drone fall from the sky.
Following the sound of the gunshot, the deputies approached Goney. At first, he denied responsibility.
When deputies told him the drone carried a camera, he remained silent, shaking his head and sighing, according to body camera footage. Goney then admitted to shooting the drone and claimed it was harassing him, court records write.
More Patrol
Amped Highlights Power Behind Amped FIVE Software
Amped FIVE empowers you to advance your investigations with confidence and precision, from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom.
Read More →
Police K-9 Killed, Suspect Dies in Shootout with Cops
A Burbank Police Department K-9 was fatally shot over the weekend by a passenger who fled on foot from a traffic stop. The armed suspect was killed in a shootout with officers.
Read More →
From the Show Floor: InVeris
In this video, learn about how InVeris provides training to law enforcement, including customized augmented reality scenarios. The augmented reality system can scan up to 10,000 square feet of real-life environments and create a curriculum based on those spaces.
Read More →
From the Show Floor: Polaris Government & Defense
Learn about Polaris Government & Defense in this video as POLICE visits their show booth to discover their side-by-sides and the advantages they provide for agencies.
Read More →
Dashcam Video Shows Officers Rescue Man from Burning Car
Dashcam video released by a New Jersey police department shows two of its officers rescuing an unconscious man from a burning car after a crash.
Read More →
Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT Named Red Dot of the Year
The Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT system has been named Red Dot of the Year by Guns & Ammo magazine. The new optic system was introduced in January 2025.
Read More →
From the Show Floor: Axon
Join POLICE as we visit with Abi Stock, of Axon, to learn about the company’s latest technology offerings, such as Axon Assistant, Form One, and the DFR integration with Skydio.
Read More →
Back Face Deformation, Brain Injury and Ballistic Helmets – Why the “Dent Doesn’t Matter” Claim Ignores Science
Alex Poythress, co-founder and CEO of Ballistic Armor Co., explains why ballistic helmet buyers should insist on full test data, including BFD measurements, standoff distance, and padding configuration, rather than rely solely on penetration ratings.
Read More →
Streamlight Marks 15 Years of Support for Breast Cancer Research Foundation With $20k Donation
In its 15th year of supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Streamlight donated $20,000 to help in the fight against cancer. Donations were generated through the sale of special Wedge XT models and other pink flashlights.
Read More →
Police-Led Mental Health Charity Expands to Include Veterans
Talk To Me Post Tour (TTMPT), a non-profit organization that has been providing peer-support programs and professional psychological support for first responders, is now expanding services to military veterans.
Read More →