Investigations

On August 10, 2022, Matthew Jones was indicted for wire fraud, operating as an airman without an airman’s certificate, and aircraft registration violations in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah.

 

After his indictment in October 2021 for wire fraud and acting as an airman without an airman’s certificate, Jones violated the court-ordered conditions of release by continuing to operate a fixed-wing aircraft without a valid Federal Aviation Administration airman’s certificate. Jones also claimed to be a certified flight instructor and entered into a LLC with two other individuals. The purpose of the LLC was to provide charter flights and flight lessons to individuals seeking airman's certificates. Furthermore, on December 29, 2021, Jones traveled to Sevierville, Tennessee, to take possession of a helicopter and fly it back to Utah. Shortly after takeoff, Jones crashed the helicopter and killed a passenger.

 

Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.