Las Vegas, Nevada – Damian Zukaitis, a 40-year-old man accused of stealing a plane from North Las Vegas and landing it in California, has been sentenced to felony probation and 137 days in jail. The federal indictment against him was also dismissed.

The Plane Heist and Legal Proceedings

On December 30, 2023, Zukaitis allegedly burglarized a 2020 Kitfox fixed-wing single-engine aircraft in North Las Vegas and took off with it, eventually landing in a field near the Barstow-Daggett Airport in California. The bizarre incident came to light after concerns were raised by two anonymous women from Idaho.

Zukaitis faced charges of grand theft, but this charge was dismissed. Instead, he pled no contest to taking an aircraft and resisting arrest. Consequently, he was sentenced to felony probation until 2026 and served 137 days in jail before being transported back to Ada County, Idaho, where he faced a felony probation violation.

Background and Additional Charges

Zukaitis, originally from Idaho, had a history of criminal behavior. In 2020, he pled guilty to felony stalking of two different female victims, misdemeanor battery, and attempted violations of a no-contact order.

According to the plane’s owner, the aircraft was found with evidence suggesting Zukaitis’ presence, including a marijuana joint and beer cans in the cockpit. Additionally, he was wanted on criminal charges in Idaho at the time of the plane theft.

Reactions and Legal Analysis

Despite the severity of the crime, some express dissatisfaction with the leniency of Zukaitis’ sentence. The anonymous women who raised concerns about his behavior highlighted his history of violence, mental health issues, and unstable behavior.

Former prosecutor and public defender Jeff Lustick suggested that mental health may have influenced the sentencing, explaining that defendants with mental health issues might receive leniency if they agree to undergo treatment. He voiced personal concern as a pilot that the federal charge related to plane theft was dropped.

Conclusion

Damian Zukaitis’ case raises questions about the intersection of mental health and criminal justice. While some criticize the leniency of his sentence, others argue that treatment for mental health issues should be prioritized in such cases.

Zukaitis remains in custody in Ada County Jail, awaiting a court hearing for felony probation violation. The outcome of his case will continue to draw attention to the complexities of mental health and criminal sentencing.

Source: KVVU 2024

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