Oakland Police Officers Face Federal Charges Over Helicopter Certifications

Two Oakland Police Department officers assigned to the agency's Air Support Unit appeared in federal court following an indictment on conspiracy and fraud charges. Brandon Mart and David Mac entered not guilty pleas during their initial appearance in an Oakland courtroom after a federal grand jury indictment was unsealed.

Federal prosecutors allege that Mart and Mac falsified mandatory flight testing documents during 2023 and 2024 to obtain Federal Aviation Administration certifications. Mart faces charges that include obstruction of justice by record falsification along with multiple counts of FAA registration fraud, while Mac faces charges of conspiracy and registration fraud. A third defendant was also arraigned in connection with the alleged scheme.

Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell stated publicly that the department is cooperating fully with federal investigators. The charges come as the city continues its ongoing efforts to satisfy remaining requirements under decades-long federal oversight of the police department.