Co-Pilot of Crashed CG Helo Faces Homicide Charges

JUNEAU, Alaska -- The co-pilot who survived a deadly Coast Guard helicopter crash in July 2010 has been charged with two counts of negligent homicide. Lt. Lance Leone was also charged with three other violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, according to the Peninsula Daily News.

Leone was one of two pilots flying the MH-60 Jayhawk, which crashed off La Push. The crash killed all three other passengers on board.

In addition to the negligent homicide charges, Leone faces two counts of dereliction of duty and destruction of government property, Kip Wadlow, a Coast Guard spokesman, said.

If Leone is convicted on all counts, he could serve 7 1/2 years in prison and be discharged from the Coast Guard.

The helicopter was flying from Astoria, Ore., to Sitka, Alaska, when the helicopter hit power lines and crashed into the Pacific Ocean near the coastline.