Framer: While that is interesting detail it's not what I am befuddled by. Even assuming that what he did was unwise, unprofessional, and a violation of company procedures none of that--by itself--raises to the level of criminal conduct.
I don't understand the theory upon which legal liability attaches to the pilot's behavior. If every pilot who did things which were unwise, unprofessional, and a violation of company procedures went to jail...society would have to build a lot more jails than we have now.
One doesn't have to condone his behavior to think that criminally charging him is over the top.