WASHINGTON (AP) - A man who landed a gyrocopter on the West Lawn of the Capitol as part of a protest against the influence of big money in politics says he rejected a plea deal that would strip him of his right to vote.
Douglas Hughes said Thursday that prosecutors offered to let him plead guilty to one felony count. But he said he rejected that deal because pleading guilty to a felony would mean he can't vote or run for office in Florida, where he lives. In Florida, people convicted of a felony have to wait at least five years after finishing their sentences and any supervised release before applying to get those rights restored.
Hughes, who is from Ruskin, Florida, was arrested following his April 15 flight.
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