Aquino illuminated the cockpit of an incoming flight on final approach to T.F. Green Airport in Warwick with a laser light, momentarily blinding the pilot. Aquino entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Mary M. Lisi.

January 23, 2011 - Joseph Aquino, 31, Warwick, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence on Friday to a federal charge of willfully interfering with the safe operation of an airborne commercial aircraft and endangering the safety of the 23 passengers and three crew members onboard.