In a case out of Alaska, the federal government has asked the court to impose a five-year term of probation and a $50,000 fine on William Brian Marsan, a former airline transport pilot turned unlicensed operator. On December 3, 2024, Marsan was convicted by a jury of two federal aviation crimes: operating an aircraft without a valid airman certificate and flying an unregistered aircraft.
Marsan, who previously held the highest level of pilot certification and ran an aviation business known as Sound Aviation, began disregarding FAA regulations in recent years. In 2022, he formally deregistered his Piper Cherokee aircraft with the FAA and allowed his required medical certificates to lapse. Even after the FAA revoked his pilot’s license in January 2024, Marsan continued to fly—carrying both passengers and hazardous materials to remote Alaskan communities, including Lime Village.
According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, Marsan not only refused to comply with FAA regulations but also defied multiple court orders. After being released pretrial, he failed to appear at scheduled court dates and was eventually arrested and detained in October 2024. He remained in custody until his conviction two months later.
The government emphasized that Marsan’s continued unauthorized flights posed significant dangers to the public, citing a near mid-air collision and his pattern of transporting fuel and passengers without proper certification. His refusal to recognize the authority of the court or the United States was on full display during trial, where he challenged the court’s jurisdiction and rejected applicable laws—even as his U.S. passport was admitted into evidence.
Despite the seriousness of the offense, the prosecution is not seeking further incarceration, noting that Marsan has already served over two months in pretrial detention. Instead, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas C. Bradley and Mac Caille Petursson are asking for the maximum probation term to ensure compliance with FAA rules and safeguard public safety. The government also highlighted Marsan’s financial gain from his illegal flights, with evidence showing he received nearly $200,000 in payments and had over $24,000 in cash seized from his home.
Marsan’s self-identification as a “free citizen” and his refusal to comply with FAA regulations align with principles commonly associated with the sovereign citizen movement.
The case is United States v. William Brian Marsan, No. 3:24-cr-00071-VMK-MMS (D. Alaska). The government filed its sentencing memorandum on March 26, 2025, recommending no additional incarceration, five years of probation, and a $50,000 fine.
Source: United States v. Marsan, Case No. 3:24-cr-00071-VMK-MMS, Sentencing Memorandum filed March 26, 2025, U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska.