Feds: 2 Oakland police officers faked helicopter pilot certifications

Key Points:

• Two Oakland police officers, David Mac and Brandon Mart, are accused of falsifying FAA helicopter pilot certifications, leading to federal charges including fraud and obstruction of justice; both pleaded not guilty and were placed on leave.
• The alleged scheme involved falsely claiming to have completed required test flights to obtain FAA certifications during 2023 and 2024, with assistance from a third individual, FAA safety inspector William Miller.
• Oakland Police Chief James Beere condemned the actions, emphasizing the need for higher standards among officers and confirming cooperation with federal authorities on the investigation.
• The officers were released on bond and are scheduled for a court status conference on November 30; the case emerges amid other recent misconduct allegations within OPD and ongoing discussions about ending federal oversight of the department.
• Civil rights attorney Jim Chanin expressed concern over the pattern of misconduct but noted that most of Oakland’s police force performs well, highlighting the troubling nature of officers cutting corners.