Don’t Do That!

HOUSTON (CN) - A Texan faces up to six years in federal prison on a charge of sending a false distress signal to the U.S. Coast Guard.

David Matthew Geissen, 21, of Danbury, was arrested last week after an indictment was unsealed, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

He allegedly fired flares into the air for no reason.

"The indictment alleges that on or about March 22, 2013, Geissen communicated the false distress message by firing red flares into the sky," the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a statement.

"The Coast Guard deployed in an attempt to save lives and property when, in fact, no help was needed."

If convicted, Geissen faces a fine of up to $250,000 fine as well as prison.

He was released on bond.

Follow @@cam_langford

Read the Top 8

Sign up for the Top 8, a roundup of the day's top stories delivered directly to your inbox Monday through Friday.

Email *

Submit