EAST BROOKFIELD -- A man who is accused of flying a helicopter from his backyard without a license, has been indicted on a variety of charges by a federal grand jury.

Antonio Santonastaso, 59, was indicted earlier this month on one count of serving as an airman without an airman certificate, two counts of making false statements to federal agents and attempted witness tampering, said Christina DiLorio-Sterling, spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling.

If convicted, Santonastaso faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, she said.

He is accused to taking off and landing a Robinson R-22 helicopter more than 50 times in a seven-month period between April and November 2018 from his home off Podunk Road, even though his license to pilot an aircraft was revoked nearly 20 years ago, she said.

In 2000, Santonastaso's license was pulled by the Federal Aviation Administration after he participated in the theft of a helicopter from Norwood Memorial Airport, DiLorio-Sterling said.

When questioned by FAA and federal agents about flying the R-22 helicopter, Santonastaso allegedly said he did not know the FAA revoked his license. He also is accused of making false claims about his application for a medical certificate, which is required to operate an aircraft, she said.

The indictment further alleges that Santonastaso attempted to prevent a person from reporting the helicopter flights to law enforcement, she said.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of Lelling’s Office is prosecuting the case.