Olukayode Aduragbenro Ojo, a 36-year-old pilot from Dallas, Texas, has been found guilty of lying to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He was convicted of two counts of making false statements to get a medical certificate needed to fly commercial passenger planes, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester announced.
On June 4, 2024, a federal jury charged Ojo with two counts of false statements. On August 16, 2024, the same jury found him guilty on both charges.
The trial revealed that Ojo, who was certified to fly commercially, had previously admitted to two theft charges in Kentucky state court on February 8, 2023. These charges were related to stealing passenger luggage at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Ojo lied to the FAA in March 2023 and March 2024 when applying for a First Class Medical Certificate, which is required to pilot commercial aircraft. He tried to hide his past criminal record.
Following his conviction, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman ordered Ojo to remain in custody until his sentencing. He could face up to five years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000 for each count.
This case was investigated by the Transportation Security Administration–Investigations, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jackson Eldridge and Matt Dillon handling the prosecution.
