YOUNGSTOWN - The pilot facing criminal charges for allegedly flying a private plane to close to the press box during a YSU home game has suffered another legal setback.

Youngstown Municipal Court Judge Carla Baldwin on Monday said she is refusing to allow attorney Damian Billack to represent Christopher Wilkinson who faces charges of unsafe operation of an aircraft, inducing panic and disorderly conduct.

Judge Baldwin notes that just recently she granted attorney Billak's request to withdraw from the case as co-counsel and that Patrick Espinoza has been Wilkinson's attorney in the case for the past three years.

It has been nearly two weeks since Judge Baldwin denied a motion to delay a motion to delay Wilkinson's trial. Instead issuing a warrant for the pilot's arrest when he did not appear in court.

Attorney Espinoza told the judge that his client didn't appear because they needed more time to discuss the case since Billak had withdrawn from the case.  Judge Baldwin said that the discussion should have taken place before the November 2 hearing.

In November 2019, authorities charged Wilkinson after he allegedly flew a single-engine Cessna close to the press box and Stambaugh stadium lights while fans were watching the September 28 game against Robert Morris.

Prosecutors say Wilkinson flew well below 1000 feet above ground level.

Wilkinson's lawyer has claimed that it should have been up to the Federal Aviation Administration to prosecute Wilkinson, not the city.  Judge Baldwin denied that claim earlier.

According to FAA records, Wilkinson is a commercial pilot licensed to fly private planes and land multi-engine aircraft.