Orlando, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Katie Jeane Mahai (41, Ocala) with armed trespass, fleeing and eluding law enforcement officers, and unlawfully bringing a firearm onto Kennedy Space Center. If convicted on all counts, Mahai faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, Mahai violated National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) regulations in place for the protection and security of the Kennedy Space Center, which is within the special territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Specifically, on February 10, 2023, Mahai unlawfully entered a secured NASA area, armed with a firearm. Additionally, Mahai is charged with fleeing and eluding law enforcement during the same incident, while driving at a high rate of speed and in a manner which demonstrated a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the NASA Office of Inspector General, Kennedy Space Center Security Police Officers, and the Titusville Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.
