I recall a TV personality who lied about his qualifications on a job application to gain access to a meat plant, published an "expose" about meat and then was sued by the supermarket for tresspass and other violations. The supermarket won in court, but on appeal the reporters were reduced to paying $1 (because the reports were true).
http://www.caller2.com/1999/october/...onal/1929.html
I guess these bozos in the helicopter case were released because they actually broke no laws. I hope that is true, anyway.
(edited after a web search found the real details about the case)