February 2, 2026 - Following an investigation by the FBI’s LAX Joint Terrorism Task Force, a man was arrested last Tuesday for suspicion of operating an unregistered aircraft. Christian Estoque, 38, of Pomona, was charged in a federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Wednesday. 

According to the complaint, a single engine aircraft was reported stolen by the owner on January 3rd at the Auburn Municipal airport in Washington state. The aircraft was recovered on January 6th at the Corona Municipal Airport in Corona, California. Corona Police determined that the transponder had been manipulated during the flight in order to conceal where the plane had been over a three-day period; however, the airplane was physically seen at another airport in Kelso, Washington, on January 4, where a couple driving a rented vehicle were suspected of having flown in the airplane.

The couple was then linked to a second suspected aircraft theft on January 27 at the Corona Municipal Airport of a plane that had not been registered since 2017. At that time, FBI agents conducting surveillance witnessed Estoque enter that aircraft and power on the plane’s engine. At that time, agents concluded Estoque was in the process of stealing the plane and took him into custody. 

Estoque is not a registered pilot and is not listed on the registration for the plane he attempted to fly. Estoque, according to the complaint, admitted to being under the influence of methamphetamine when operating the plane.  

Estoque had an initial appearance before a federal magistrate on Thursday, January 29 and was released on bond. 

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s LAX Joint Terrorism Task Force. Considerable assistance is being provided by the Corona Police Department and La Verne Police Department in California; the Kelso Police Department, Auburn Police Department, and King County Sheriff’s Office in Washington State; the Federal Aviation Administration; and the Federal Air Marshal Service.

Estoque is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. 

Anyone with information about stolen or unregistered aircraft is urged to contact the FBI.

Source: FBI