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Frederick Today
By the People, for the People
YouTuber Charged for Drone Flights Over Classified Defense Sites
Stuart Bennett allegedly posted videos of sensitive US facilities on his YouTube channel.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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A 66-year-old Maryland man named Stuart Bennett has been charged with violating national defense airspace after allegedly flying a drone over classified US military and defense facilities and posting the footage on his YouTube channel "Area 82 Surveillance911". Federal investigators traced the videos back to Bennett and executed a search warrant at his home, where they seized the drone, computer equipment, and storage devices containing the illicit footage.
Why it matters
The Raven Rock Mountain Complex and other facilities featured in Bennett's videos are highly sensitive national defense sites, and unauthorized drone flights over such critical infrastructure raise serious security concerns. The case highlights the potential threats posed by individuals using consumer drones to gather intelligence on protected government facilities.
The details
According to the criminal complaint, Bennett's YouTube channel featured videos with titles describing the locations as "classified" or "Top Secret". Investigators found a folder labeled "Classified Secret Sites" containing approximately seven drone videos recorded over US government facilities. Authorities were able to trace the YouTube channel back to Bennett through overlapping IP addresses, phone numbers, and email accounts.
- The investigation began in September 2025 when a military official reported the YouTube channel.
- Bennett made his initial court appearance in federal court in Baltimore on February 23, 2026.
The players
Stuart Bennett
A 66-year-old man from Frederick, Maryland who is accused of flying a drone over classified US defense facilities and posting the footage online.
Raven Rock Mountain Complex
A highly sensitive US national defense facility that was featured in some of the drone videos posted by Bennett.
US Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland
The federal prosecutors handling the case against Bennett.
FBI Baltimore Field Office
The FBI office leading the investigation into Bennett's alleged drone flights over classified sites.
Naval Criminal Investigative Service Washington Field Office
The NCIS office assisting in the investigation of Bennett's activities.
What’s next
The judge will decide on whether to allow Bennett to be released on bail at a hearing on February 28, 2026.
The takeaway
This case underscores the serious national security risks posed by individuals using consumer drones to gather intelligence on sensitive government facilities. It serves as a warning that such activities will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted by federal authorities.
