Hughes was subsequently charged with two felonies, including operating as an airman without an airman’s certificate and violating aircraft registration requirements. He was also charged with three misdemeanors, including violating national defense airspace. The charges carry a penalty of up to nine and a half years in prison if he goes to trial and is convicted.
"My position is: No jail time is justified in an act that's only intended to bring the attention of the media and the voter to the corruption of our federal government," Hughes told reporters after refusing the deal.
Prosecutors say negotiations are still ongoing despite this initial refusal, but Hughes is adamant that if they continue to try to get him to plead to hard time, he will go to trial.
Hughes maintains it would not be fair for him to have to lose several years of his life over an act of civil disobedience where nobody was hurt and no property was damaged.
"The problem is that it was spectacular, OK, and the prosecutor has laid charges on me for that reason," Hughes stated, alleging that prosecutors "are looking for an excuse to put me away."
Hughes was terminated from his position at the post office over the stunt.
The next court hearing is scheduled to take place on July 22.
