Give me a break. He's a lowlife thief. what he should be doing is repaying for all the damage he caused the people he stole from during the time.

If he gets 'mental health therapy' in prison, I'm all for it, but whatever passes for treatment these days should certainly not be his only punishment. I don't care WHY someone is a criminal. If they commit crimes repeatedly, they belong in prison. I give 2 @!$%#s about whether they weren't loved as a child, were bullied, raped by their stepdad or are traumatized because they saw Mickey Mouse remove his head at Disneyland.

PTSD from his first plane crash? Most psychiatrists are nuts.

At what point...and at what age...should people take full responsibility for their actions?

It's laughable that this moron's attorney maintains that he's "...blaming no one but himself", then quickly goes on to point out what a horrible childhood he had.

I'm not interested...and I think the victims of his theft and mischief care even less.

At 20 years old, the blame--and punishment--should rest squarely on his adult shoulders.

"International notoriety" indeed. It's no wonder we have so many copycat crimes when we heap misplaced praise and sympathy on common criminals.

Clearly this kid is a "character" and maybe was angleing for fame and a movie deal out of this all a long -- "Catch Me If You Can II" -- But he is a criminal either way. Everyone has an excuse or a story of why they did what they did. Bad childhood, poor, hungry , etc. While I have compassition for people -- and think it is best to take those details under consideration -- especially with what is happenig in our country and the wolrd today -- he still should serve his term -- besides he will still be young when he gets out -- under 30.

R. Scalzo -- Lets see you with the same family situation turn out any better. 9 out of 10 times id agree with you but this looks like a legitimate case for what kelkeagy has stated.

Someone who can plan the stealing and operation of planes, yachts and anything else that moves while stealing lots of other stuff is not mentally ill and incapable of knowing right from wrong. A guy walking naked down the middle of a busy street and not understanding why people are looking at him with shocked eyes is mentally ill and needs therapy, treatment and care.

Give me a break. his mother was doing everything including cheering him on. He screwed a lot of people and destroyed their property of which many will get no compensation. so who is HE the victim?

Or do you feel that this is another case of a person not getting enough in the way of entitlements? Flying a plane without training could have very well ended in the death of many. I feel absolutely no sympathy for this kid.

His life story would make a great movie. Who do you think would do a good job playing that kid?? Jesse Eisenberg??

He is a sociopath and will never change. He needs to be locked up as long as possible.

Nah, Jesse is too dorky and definitely not handsome enough. Needs to be like a young Leo (a la Catch Me If You Can). Not sure there is much young, male talent out there right now though - could be a breakthrough role for new blood.

Please, why do people always blame society for someones crimes? income disparity? Thats what makes him a thief? then why not just rob stores to get the cash to survive? no, this kid went all out, planning out crimes for high end stuff. Not everyone can be rehabilitated. So, his mommy didnt hold him enough, or maybe too much, WHATEVER!!

there is an old saying, "dont do the crime, if you cant do the time!" Put him away!

How is it that I can get a owi and have to pay thousands of dollars and dozens of hours in comm. service and these politicians and corp. ceo's who steal billions of our tax dollars just keep on with their lives as if nothing ever happened, not even thanking us or even warn us to lubricate ourselves for the f**KING they're always about to give us?????

He's already signed a movie deal with 20th century fox. It's in his contract he can't make money off it, and all the profit that would normally be his is going towards paying the people he stole from back.

Sorry to say there is NO effective treatment for anti-social, narcissitic personality disorders, or pretty much any type of personality disorder. Therapy can only help so much but the desire to better yourself has to come from within. This is a young man with no concept of right vs wrong and that makes him dangerous to society. One can only blame one's mother up to a certain point. My mother was a wonderful and responsible mother but I still end up with a brother who is a sociopath.

Sorry to say there is NO effective treatment for anti-social, narcissitic personality disorders, or pretty much any type of personality disorder. Therapy can only help so much but the desire to better yourself has to come from within. This is a young man with no concept of right vs wrong and that makes him dangerous to society.

So, you treated him personally then? Please do share.

@Jerry,

You just can't generalize like that. My step-brother/cousin (mom married my dad's brother) was caught running down the street of a town he set fire to just wearing his cowboy boots as a young man. Never could be rehabilitated! He just WOULD NOT be rehabilitated. A person must cooperate. He was too 'sick' to choose cooperation. On the other hand, this youngster, given a choice and a chance, might choose to take a higher road (and I don't mean the sky). My brother and I were brought up in a similar circumstance to him (father was a drinker and abuser) and we turned out quite well after making some poor choices during our youth. Some get caught, some not.

Just sayin'...

Maybe one of the "Twilight" actors can play him - but seriously, I think I'll skip that movie. It's not like "Colt" gave up his royalties out of remorse; it's against the LAW to profit directly from your crime. Charles Manson made nada from "Helter Skelter;" it would have been a CRIME for him to make a penny from that!

I think Social Security needs to raise payments so that poor single moms have money left over after buying beer and cigarettes.

Deleted by Author

I'm really torn over this kid. Part of me wants to say lock the punk up and throw away the key. The other part of me wants to see him get the help he needs and become a productive member of society. He's obviously very intelligent.

As a pilot, I'd like to know where he learned about flying. Specifically, navigation. Just about anyone can learn to fly a Cessna 172 in a couple of hours in the middle of nowhere. But one of those planes he stole was a complex (meaning variable pitch propeller), the one he flew all the way to the Bahamas in. You have to know what your are doing to manage that aircraft and avoid certain Class airspace altitude restrictions and ATC/transponder contact. There is no way he could have flown in instrument conditions without training, so his flight must have been in pure VFR conditions. Sure there is Microsoft Flight Simulator, which I've used for over a decade, but it does not even come close to simulating reality.

LOL - sweet, white boy look got to ya huh? Let him be a tad darker and his hair a bit kinkier and see if u have the same response. Just sayin the obvious...

It doesn't take long to bring up race and crime, does it. [eye roll] I'll just go ahead and say it since you brought it up: this kid has more intelligence and potential than your typical young stupid criminal. After all, it took a LONG time for him to get caught, didn't it? Yeah that's what I thought.

If ever there was a case for mental health therapy and rehabilitation... this is it. This young man needs to be treated not put in jail.

The simple fact that he stole firearms states that he should not be treated or helped with rehabilitation in a mental sense. He should be treated like anyone else that puts hardships on other people. And spend his time. Somewhere, unless that gun was fully recovered, will be used for something evil

31C, come on. Please don't be a hater and brings race into this. Have you been hanging with Freda?

I'll watch it. It helps pay back the people he stole from and doesn't benefit him. So, yeah. No real moral objections here.

Too bad his incompetent mother can't be prosecuted for her failure along with him.

I wonder if this 'young man' was black would you be so empathetic! He's about to get the ol' sandusky shower! Don't drop the soap kid!

I'd love to become acquainted with the people voting for my comment 1.20. lol Makes me think of Vivian, ...... Where has Viv been, I wonder?

I agree 100% with kelkeagy. People, especially children, can be rehabilitated and I for one would much rather rehabilitate someone and prevent their future crimes than lock them up for a couple of years just to continue offending once they get out.

Also, the movie deal is a great way to provide restitution to his victims. This was a very good outcome.

If we have to treat this young man then, we have to treat all US young man, they all need mental help!

there is no excuse for 16 counts of crimes, once you do it once and you dont get cut! it continues and becomes a habit and of course he knew what he was doing! he should pay for what he did no exception!

It doesn't look like he's committed any violent crimes. So why not see how he does with rehabilitation? His mother is the one who needs to be locked up.

LOL - sweet, white boy look got to ya huh? Let him be a tad darker and his hair a bit kinkier and see if u have the same response.

Yep, Jesse James and Billy the Kid are American folk heros. Tyrone Johnson is a low-life thug.

Kid's a lost cause. Lock him up and throw away the key. They have no place in society.

If there was anyone in the world who deserved the lethal injection, it's this guy. I mean, he broke into the houses of rich people and stole from them. Oh the heinousness of his crimes! It's just so wrong to steal from people who have stolen from us! Those poor 1% in the country, why does everyone hate them so much? It's not like they're thieves themselves or anything...

If someone hadn't broken into my house, you know who wouldn't be on the case? The FBI.

Marie :Lock both of them the mother and this young man, the mother for: fail to decipline her kid and this young man for all the problems he caused to people and him self!

Some people choose to hurt themselves but why hurt others? like this man in hollywood started shooting people because he's girl friend left him!!!!!!!! why dont you take it to her since she broke your heart! why take it on people! they didnt do anything to you but people always want others to pay for their failure that s great! US is just like Mexico or any first world country because peoploe from first world country dont commit crimes we commit in US we are sick people with a deadly virus no one have!

Good parenting.... That's an oxymoron right? If he started at 12 years old it's the parents fault. Big time prayers and blessings on that kid.

he's not a kid...he broke the law he has to do what every other person would do...wonder how many people on here saying he doesn't deserve jail would feel if this guy were 35-40?

Have him banned from having a facebook account for life.

Maxeemas, you lack knowledge in the fields necessary to competently comment on this topic. (We get banned if we call each other "ignorant fools" on this site.)

Don't think posting everything in bold print makes you sound wiser. It doesn't. You simply don't know a lot about life yet (and if you are old, you're just one of those people who never will).

All of this empathy is disgusting. This man been a thief his whole life. Its very odd we are not hearing anything 3 strikes send him away for good posts. Very interesting...

Barefoot Bandit's Mother should be put in jail.

Starvation to her child, drugs, alcohol all the while, "being a good mother".

Colton could have done much worse acts than what happened.

Please read about the Mother's background as a parent. Isn't there a jail for parents who should have been sterilized before they produce children. She is among the worst of the worst--

I do not think this Colton will serve out his full sentence. They may sentence him to hard labor, or a few years in a soft jail..

Go after the Mother---she's the bottom of the earth drek.

What a world we live in... they put in jail a young guy that obviouly suffer from some kind of mental disease and they don't put in jail criminals like Cheney or bush or others like them that are responsable for the death of a million people... and what about all these corrupt bankers, halliburton CEO and so many others ?? Yes it is easy to throw the poor in Jail, so so easy.. but when it comes to the rich, WHERE IS EVERYBODY ???

lookatmycastle:

The rich can afford the best attorneys in the nation to get them off from any crime, especially multiple murders---

Look at all the Celebs, and Rich who do not serve time in jail for Crime.

That includes Timothy Geithner, Charlie Wrangel, Eric Holder, many other Politicians, White Collar Crime, and the rest---

"It's good to be rich"---Power and Freedom, ultimately above the Law.

Its too bad that this kid never really was given a chance. He is obviously brilliant to be able to learn to pilot an aircraft 'on the fly' if you will... There needs to be an option for him to go into the military instead of the prison system.

he could have been help by the second mile...sandusky can mentor him soon hopefully...

What a waste of a life.

It's a sad thing to see someone who is obviously pretty bright resort to a life of crime.

After prison maybe the CIA could use someone like that, obviously is quick on his bare feet.

This guy is AROORABLE!! And brave!!! omg, Colton I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will wait for you till you get out of that stupid prison!!!!!

My condolences to all the young kids and teeny-bopper girls who had a crush on this kid, who looked upon this punk a$$ kid as some sort of folk hero. Sorry kids your "hero" is going to do some hard time. Hopefully that will set an example and possibly even sink into some of your self-centered adolescent brains that it's NOT OK to break the law, no matter how cute you are.

Maybe we'll see the end of the Barefoot Bandit Facebook fan page now.

This guy is AROORABLE!! And brave!!! omg, Colton I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will wait for you till you get out of that stupid prison!!!!!

What, are you kidding me?!?! Hopefully this is posted by someone just mocking the whole "fan club" mentality, hopefully this is just an attempt at sarcasm.

But I have a feeling it's not. It's a sad day when young people treat this kind of criminal as a folk hero. Please stay in school and learn about right and wrong, learn about what it really means to be in a society, learn why it's wrong to steal and be so self-centered and self-righteous. And PLEASE learn how to spell and write. "AROORABLE"?!?!

How old does a commentor have to be writing on an Article here?

8-10-12 years old? Justin Bieber fans--

Girls, do you know how one gets pregnant?--or what it means to have sex being forced upon you.

Yes, these jailbirds, attract such needy individuals--they want the fame as well.

Sick values, sick choices, and they will be in jail as well--Conjugal visits--

Instead of prison this kid should go to work for the FBI. With his criminal mind he could help them track down bad guys for the rest of his life. He could then pay restitution to all his victims from his FBI salary. Sure beats housing and feeding him for seven years.

LELE you judgmental pea-brained female, I'v graduated and been out of school for over 10 years now.

Perhaps you should think outside the box instead of feeding into what society has brainwashed you with. Think for yourself, insteadof following a flock of sheep over a ditch. This is called delusion.

I have a right to admire this young man, So live and let live. Next time, try not to be so invasive with your false sense of right to push your will on others. Learn alittle compassion and learn about human nature. I highly doubt you yourself are any kind of moral, outstanding citizen or a shining example of anything except giving females a bad rep. A sin is a sin. Have a nice life.

Hes not serving time for the thefts . Hes serving for making asses out of law enforcement officials . Hes obviously bright so lets see what happens when we take a very bright non violent thief and put him in our incarceration system . Im betting we get a very bright convict with a PhD in violence .

No...he needs BOTH. Get his treatment..but don't overlook the fact that he would LAUGH at the police and mock their invesitgation the whole way. He put MANY people at risk during his spree. It is sappy idiots like you that cause people to get out of jail and kill again. If anything he got off lightly, considering the sheer numer of crimes. "Genuinely remorseful? Yeah, right."

Brian, research shows that a typical young person's brain does not function as adult brains do. (There was a great article about this in the October issue of National Geographic.) Some 20 year olds do have excellent judgment and understanding of rules and moral values. Many do not.

There are many biological, social and evolutionary reasons for this. It turns out that most 18 year olds are probably not adults; on the average, brain development in this area continues until the age of 24, sometimes even later.

His comments lead me to believe that his dream of flying is what sustained him through his teen years. His ability to hold on to that dream may have been what saved -- and perhaps will continue to save -- him from a life of hopelessness and violent crime.

BigAl and rwalker, you suggest the FBI and the military. FactoftheMatter suggested the CIA. You're probably right -- he seems to have the intelligence and the creativity needed by these organizations. I wonder if he would find the idea attractive. I have mixed feelings about that!

I think the people who admire him do have a point. It seems that he was not violent, that he did not hurt people, and that he was a bit of a Robin Hood.

Yes, he took stuff. Yes, there was potential danger to others when he flew those planes. I do understand that people felt violated when their stuff was taken. And people were scared because they feared personal harm. But I suspect it was intentional that he did not hurt people when he did these things. 

There is something about us as Americans (maybe as humans) that sort of secretly admires a person who can evade the authorities and hold out for as long as he did. Especially when his targets have tended to be the boats and planes and cars of the wealthy and when he has left behind money for animal rescue.

I hope he is sincere in his taking responsibility for what he has done. I hope he means it when he says he wants to study aeronautical engineering in college after he serves his time. I hope he is willing and able to start working through his psychological issues while he is still incarcerated. And I hope he does not have to suffer more indignity and desperation than he has already had to live through already.

Did anyone else catch the irony that this story and video, "Barefoot Bandit gets 7 years for crime spree" was followed with a "related video"/story "SEC accuses six former Fannie/Freddie EXECS of fraud."

Talk about a tale of two Americas. As one commenter here noted, "sociopaths" start with small time thefts and frauds and "graduate" to larger size and volume crimes. Yet the blue collar kid gets 7 years (and obviously criminal acts do or should have consequences) and the white collar executive criminals will get off with a free pass; these poison Ivy Leaguers just didn't understand the risks and were "surprised." The kid (rightly) gets no part of his 1 million (million with an m) movie deal including Bahamas exploits but the executive criminals will BUY Bahama with their 100s of billions (billion with a b) to low trillions in illegal mortgage fraud plunder. The execs will never see a day of jail time and will keep all the loot for themselves.

Talk about a decayed and dead US society. The concept of right and wrong is totally absent from the scene at all levels of society. And the atheists and anti-theists push farther for the very last remaining residues of moral education to be excised from the public scene. Where is the hope to come from in a godless society? No wonder there is so much fear and crime when there is no foundation in a durable, meaningful and solid moral path for living.

The homeless, family-less and unsupported teen clearly never really had much of a chance (any fools who can't understand it takes money for food , clothes, transportation and rent, and that teenagers are not likely to make their own way, and in a country with no jobs for many years anyway, are just fools) and after prison he'll have no chance at life at all. Some Fannie and Freddie execs are probably reliable pew fillers and tainted lucre contributors at their local St. Minks and All Cadillacs, but they have missed the message.

Greed is not good, it never was and it never will be. The only two places to possibly learn that truth are in a decent home and in a decent church. But both the family and the church have been under constant attack for the last half century. So where is the hope to come from?

31C, HNIC and LostFlorida -- I think you do have a point.

If Colton had been a Black or Latino kid, I am afraid that the publicity and the hype around his actions would not have been nearly as friendly.

I think his unfortunate beginnings, his earlier convictions and his cross-country escapades would have been reported in a far less understanding way. He probably would have been seen more as an incorrigible delinquent and less as a troubled but creative kid.

Sad, but true.

this kid's story is pretty amazing, making a mockery of the police, but after 7 years he won't be any kind of folk hero anymore. don't know why people have to come online and pass judgement on all the crime news like anybody and I do mean anybody on planet earth cares what they think, give it up people

RUN, FOREST,RUN!

Marie Haugheyvia Facebook Post 1.33

It doesn't look like he's committed any violent crimes. So why not see how he does with rehabilitation? His mother is the one who needs to be locked up.

What part of assault isn't considered violent?

Too all the extremists Hang Em' High folks out there; back in the mid 1970's a kid just like this and the same age (from our neighborhood) went to prison - back when they still rehabilitated the inmates. Brian got a business education and even got a bank loan to open a Mobil Home dealership around 1980. Brian quickly became a millionaire due to applying his street smarts and the information he was taught in prison. It took everyone by surprise when we learned of his success - but he always did have drive. He could have been a world class long distance runner if someone took an interest in him at a young age - guidance can't always come from your parents. Look at the movie The Blind Side; if it wasn't for some who saw life as a village, we wouldn't have these stories.

This kid stopped to give an Animal Shelter $100, which is more than most of you have done. He may be a criminal - but he isn't nearly as heartless as those who want to see him punished. If it was still 1975, the kid would be working on a dairy or something during the day while in prison...but nope, the punish-er mentality is now the American norm.

A kid like this and the Occupy Wall Street people just need someone to care rather than think of ways to harm them further. I think those who have it good in America actually fear people like this - they know if given a chance those people could work circles around many who have secure jobs. All you have to do is look at the time stamps of people who post on the Internet - many of you steal every day.

My brother lives on Camano Island - an 8 year old could steal up in that remote area - no one locks up their stuff. All crime needs is opportunity - cuz we ain't Canada where they respect others stuff. Like I say; I see even "good" Americans doing bad stuff every day - that is our new norm, change the norm...it starts with you.

In one way shape or form we all have stolen. I know many will say they haven't, but you have! Give it some thought before you post it might change the way your posting....at least for those who can be honest with themselves!

I hope for complete healing for him and a brighter more fulfilling future!

Imatthebeach : whatever I said is the truth and they say the truth hurst, nothing personal but if you dont like what I say quite commenting here!

I am old enough to know and to judge if I have to, if you dont agree with my previous comment then, you have a problem and we all should be concern and the fact that you didnt Acknowledge the sriousness of the crimes this youg man commited, please do me a favor and go examine yourself before it s too late!

you're a sick person. You really think he's such a danger that he deserves jail? Please don't reproduce.

cherarules - look at his username. are you really suprised by his response? Hey marine, what was your ASVAB score? you score at the top of your class with a 35? I bet this kid from the article has at least double your IQ.

So far I've seen a few comments like this. Fred the Puppy added one simular- "I could give a ___— if he were raped by his stepdad'?- Mouth and ass raped. No pun intended. Really? It's beyond rude, disgusting and naive to use such comparisons. I don't care who the perp is. You are in change, of how you come across. And it's been made obvious you know very little about the life altering effect trauma- like rape- has on a person. I've worked with trauma victims. You have no idea how their life changes from it, or what true PTSD does to them.

Think twice.

Marine, you are indeed a sick puppy and your comment will be collapsed shortly. I hope you are banned from the Vine for awhile.

Please seek therapy.

Jordan-Don't be a dick. I will wager my ASVAB, SAT, And GRE scores against you and most and I am a Marine.

God forbid this douchebag takes responsibility for his actions.

Jordan-Don't be a dick. I will wager my ASVAB, SAT, And GRE scores against you and most and I am a Marine.

God forbid this douchebag takes responsibility for his actions.

I am a Marine, (ASVAB, 99 they don't give 100's), also a former prison guard (while working my way through college and medical school) and a Pediatrician. I put the odds of him rehabilitating about the same as the sun not rising tomorrow.

way to change the subject there professor. being a professor you should at least be able to read that it wasn't jordan's IQ that he was stating was higher than marine's. try taking your own advice "Don't be a dick."

DMSMD...all of your "sheepskins" from school(s) don't impress me, nor does Marine-3604043's ludicrous posts. I've lived near Jacksonville NC(Camp Lejuene), and I've seen the lack of respect and caring for other humans by guys on and off post. Sad really. Somebody has to tell you what's appropriate and what isn't. At least this kid was stretchin' his wings on his own. More balls than you got, guaranteed! Go somewhere were you can privately blow up your own ego

Fa la la la la...........

chera...yes...he is a danger to others. When you recklessly fly AN AIRPLANE over poplated areas, yopu are a danger.

Oh, and by the way...Bernie Madoff is not a danger to anyone else. But I bet you don;t think he should be let off with a slap on the wrist.

I am wondering if you would applaud this happening to the young man!!!!!!!

You took an oath...the same oath I took in the Army.

But I tell you, though I did not wear the uniform of a soldier for the sake of giving this young man the opportunity to pull the stunts he did, I also did not fight so that some sick convict could continue to victimize this young man while he is serving the sentence dealt him by the system we defend.

I am wondering, how did you manage to become a soldier?

I am sooooo glad the men in my family were and are ARMY! Not marines! The M's are not representing well on these posts...

Bunch of ignorant tools! Hope that isn't true overall.

LOL seriously who at 20 years old can still 5 planes and drive them! he was talented to bad it went to waste.

You don't drive them. You fly them.

He probably played Flight Simulator which can allow you to take off. As he crashed on all attempts, he never quite got the hang of it. It isn't that big a feat.

Thankfully he didn't kill anyone.

If he was a real badass, he'd plead not guilty and get away with it;).

but hes still pretty badass if you ask me. I mean, I'd be pissed if he stole my @!$%#..but in the grand scheme of things I'd be sayin, damn this kid is a pro.

A thief that steals expensive $#!t is STILL a thief - nothing badass about that.

T Bourton, the @$$e$ are a huge family. Colt the Badass is Jordan the Jack@$$s' cousin!

bourlon, flying a plane from indiana over open water to the bahamas with no training is pretty badass and takes balls. can't wait to see the movie.

Actually flying a plane is not that difficult. Taking off and keeping it flying level can be done with very little training. It's the landings that are difficult, which is obviously why he crashed. He is not talented, he is not brilliant, he just got a little lucky, but his luck finally ran out and I hope he has a very long time to think about all the pain he has caused other people by his actions.

Imagine everyone acting like this kid? Taking whatever they want, being so self-centered, self-absorbed and self-righteous. If everyone acted like that, civilization would rapidly decline to a state of something like packs of wild primates running around in groups, hitting each other over the head with clubs for pieces of meat or clothing. Yeah, this punk is such a GREAT role model!

Except the whole "scare 'em straight" tactic has not only failed to reduce recidivism rates, but has in-fact shown to mold non-violent or minor offenders into serious lifelong career criminals in the majority of case studies. A person's environment is one of the most influential drivers on a person's character and state of mind, and thus locking him up with violent offenders will likely only reinforce his criminal behavior. For a select few people, this punishment might serve them well, however judging by the kid's actions I would venture a guess that this is exactly what should not be done.

Considering the fact that we are the most modern society in the world, by all means we should have modern criminal rehabilitation systems as well. Yet we rely on the same institutions that have been used for thousands of years. We have to start putting more effort into rehabilitating people that commit crimes than we put into punishing them, otherwise you'll have individuals like Colton who have conditioned themselves to get by solely on criminal behavior, and don't know any other way to live. Sure, they need to face punishment for their crimes, but what good is it to waste all that money if they get out in 7 years and don't know any better than when they first went in? It's vital to teach these people the life skills that they forgot or were neglected in order for them to even know how to function as law-abiding citizen. Things like responsibility, developing pride and integrity from family and a career, and understanding the laws that keep society functioning. Crime and the jail systems are issues that seriously need to be addressed, otherwise you get totally ridiculous decisions like this one.

He did not know how to land. That is the hard part especially when not useing a runway.

This is a kid who needs rehab... lots of psychiatric treatment.

But if the kid is a sociopath which I think he is, psychiatric treatment is useless.

lots of psychiatric treatment

So in addition to destroying hundreds of thousands in private property, you want the state to spend thousands more so this loser can be released. Bad enough we are spending thousands keeping him in.

I wonder if this 'young man' was black would you be so empathetic! He's about to get the ol' sandusky shower! Don't drop the soap kid!

Dissociate, sounds more like a mixed-episode of Bipolar Disorder to me. Where did you get your psychology degree?

Agree with Dissociate, there is no treatment for sociopath. They often start out as small time criminals (theft and fraud) as they become more confident, their crimes become more hardcore. The concept of right versus wrong is missing in their brains. No one can put that into their brains by the time they are all grown up. On the other hand, you cannot rehab these sociopaths just by putting them in jail because they'll just learn more from other big time sociopaths. By the time this kid gets out of prison he'll be 27 years old and ready to run with the big dogs.

they put pot smokers in prison with criminals

how do you think they turn out

and this guy is a thief taking from others

without remorse

ya i say prison well deserved

1st offence maybe but he has a know finger print every where

Don't worry, if he's worse when he comes out, he'll still have a lot of years left to go right back in to jail. Either you can learn from your mistakes or keep making them over and over again. I believe he will choose the latter.

He needs Sandusky shower therapy for his treatment.

He'll get to meet Back-door Billy and Butt-thumping Tom. Let's see how well he takes in his new environment! Would've been great had he gotten a 20 year ride. Bottom line he knows what is the wrong thing to do. There's a penalty for being stupid and bragging about his stupidity. There's pill for that. It's a bitter one at that. It's called D-New-Cherrie-In-D-Block! Welcome to the Grey Bar! Where penal intimacy is given cheerfully, call Bubba immediately!!

cruddola.........prison ,yes ,only if it is safe. The gay punishment shouldn't be included

He may be a sociopath...but by gum, he's one of the smartest and innovative sociopaths I've ever heard of.

I followed his exploits as many of us have, and was intrigued in a "Robin Hood" way as to his "accomplishments".

He'll do his time (4 years or less) and come out a stronger more capable person (crook).

In a wierd way, I'm kind of proud of this kid. He didn't let his roots keep him from following his dreams.

Law enforcement (perhaps FBI) could use this young man's intellect, skill and tenacity to catch more REAL criminals.

He isn't a violent guy and should get out sooner with good behaviour. I hope somebody out there sponsors him and helps him to continue with he education. You 1% of the population like O'Reilly. Think about helping him it's the Catholic thing to do.

He is lucky he didn't kill himself while crashing the planes, but it would have served him right.

There is no virtue in holding the wrong doings of someone to them for 55 years. If lunacy was ever uttered from human lips, it's in the last half of your sentence.

That was my sentiment too. He needs to pay for his crimes, but this is clearly a very intelligent, savvy kid. Had he the right upbringing, discipline and education in his youth he probably would have accomplished some amazing things. What a waste.

So we excuse everyone that didn't have a great home life. Maybe mom wasn't the greatest. But he didn't stop at stealing food. How is stealing aircraft related to hunger?

Treat him all you want. He isn't going to change and will be back at it when he is released. If he manages to stay clean, great for him. But he left a wake of destruction in his path. his victims no doubt have little sympathy for him.

No one is excusing. Read the posts again. He deserves the time he is getting and will reap all of the negative consequences that go along with what he did.

It's just a shame that a talented mind is wasted, no matter whose fault it is (his own, IMO).

Its the mind set of these posters why a majority are repeat offenders. They do their time and pay their debts to society, but you still have the one who will never give them a chance because once a criminal always a criminal. As state this young man did wrong and he will pay for his crimes. I think the time and counseling if offered while he is incarcerated will do him good. I will pray for this young mans safety while he does his time and pray that when he gets out he succeeds in life in a noncriminal way.

He'll probably be working for Homeland Security some day.

Jesse Woodson James (September 5, 1847 – April 3, 1882) was an American outlaw, gang leader, bank robber, train robber, and murderer.

How is praising this 20 year old kid ANYTHING positive!!???! Are you serious!?? Jesse James. Despite popular portrayals of James as a kind of Robin Hood, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor, there is no evidence that he and his gang used their robbery gains for anyone but themselves.

Please explain why you are glorifying anything this boy did?

Lots of people experience traumatic events, have horrible parents, whatever and still go on to be upstanding citizens. This boy had no excuse for what he did other than his own damn pleasure.

This "barefoot bandit is a POS.

OzarkDaredevil, you are a true idiot. James was a thug and a murderer..

But, DHernandez94, dont be too hard on the Youngers. They never killed anyone.

Guess admiring a loser who is behind bars is par for the course up your way.

Ozark Dare Devil, you need to get back to your whiskey still before the thing blows up! Just kidding, but, seriously, making a punk thief into a faux hero is really stupid.

WE LOVE YOU BAREFOOT BANDIT ....This was just a quote from the Crowds in the Bahamas where Colton was captured ...Ozark did NOT Make this UP ...Watch the Newsreel from the Capture ...This is what all the local people were shouting when he was taken into custody in the Bahamas.

WE LOVE YOU OzarkDareDevil ... You are sooo cool..

WE LOVE YOU OzarkDareDevil ... You are sooo cool..

Sad, disturbing, but not surprising. Today's generation of kids are for the most part a bunch of selfish punks that only care about themselves. And to be considered "soooo cool" you just have to be cute and steal from other people without any remorse. Nice.

Take another look-----this kid is no idiot!!!

No, he is a highly intelligent sociopath. He will be out in 5 years or less if he does not escape. Then he will be right back at it again with more savvy and more knowledge. If you have not seen "I Love You Phillip Morris" you need to see it. This kid may be the next faux hero, which will be unfortunate for society and his future victims.

A person who crashes several airplanes because he doesn't know how to fly and never has taken lessons, does not make this kid smart. It makes him a smart A$$. In other words: He is not very smart-- in fact, he's very stupid.
He is also very corrupt. I don't want to see his likes on the street any time soon. Give him 30 years to think about what he did. In fact, I'd say 40 years. Possible parole in 15 to 20 years.

I doubt this fool is willing to try to work or make a living so you're out of any restitution. Maybe that will change after a few decades.

If we gave everyone who committed like crimes 30-40 years then we'd need to confiscate entire states for prison operations.

30-40 years is reserved for serial rapists, murderers, child molesters and the like. His crimes do not warrant a lifetime in jail with people who physically harmed and/or murdered people. C'mon.

He needs to be in jail, but let's try to realistic about it. Geez.

I'm all in favor of building more prisons with much longer sentences.

Awesome Mark! I assume you will be donating your own personal funds to pay for them then, right?

And you also want to pay to keep all of those people in prison?

Sorry for repeating PH. I didn't see the post you left right before me.

No worries :-)

"What a idiot." LOL

You really have anger issues, don't you?

he told the truth...rather calmly...f the rich...now there's a anger issue statement...

double post...f the rich...

Steal, legally, while paying lobbyists to pass laws that allow one to do things others can not. Is that really the sort of example we want to be passing on to the next generation? Yeah, they do it, but it doesn't mean that Wall Street criminals, or those in Congress who pass special laws for themselves aren't of the same mentatlity....

No , keep him in jail . He is no idiot . He is smart . Let Hollywood go to him .
In jail , Send him a writing teacher . Then a screen play writer . Let him be a part of writing a movie about his life . Let actors , directors visit him .

If he wants to do right in life , inspire him he to be a great writer . The true adventures he has in his head , should make some award winning movies .

Start getting these tails out of him , while they are fresh in his mind .
Keep him in jail and work him hard . Test him , and see how smart he is .
Show him , if he works hard . He can own a home , a car and even an air plane .
With shoes optional .
RON

I'm obviously not in a position to make such a call, or even give it such consideration; but I have a bit of a different idea. Give him some time in jail, yes; but as time progresses, perhaps someone in the military, air force perhaps? could approach him with an offer to commute the rest of his sentence, in exchange for time in service.

His training, could perhaps then go beyond what he learned in books, and an opportunity to make something of himself could be offered after sitting part of his sentence. He'd still need to pay people back for what he had taken; but if he really is remorseful and not a bad guy, he'd seriously consider such an opportunity. He'd then get to fly, and not stolen planes, doing some real good...

Time and time again I have told friends and relatives, business associates and those I used to work with in JAG, that with the present state of our society, we should enact the same law several other countries around the world have: graduate high school and serve a mandatory term in the Armed Services.

I truly believe we would all be in better shape.

However, Nuadormrac, I agree with you completely. Send him to the Army for 6 years and utilize his intelligence.

His family? his mother was a drunken whore, and she doesnt know who his father is? This is YOUR idea of a family? I'm glad I'm not a member of your "Family" !

Ha Ha Ray....got all the makings for a Congressman...LOL

With mentoring and guidance his boldness, daring and resourcefulness would a great asset to America's and the World's War on Terrorism, just as the Texas Ranger's idea that it takes a criminal to catch a criminal,he could become an American James Bond 007,but small minded people Hate those who are different from the common herd.

So, you wish he would have put up more of a fight, but the you also think that he deserves to be in jail? And your argument for this is that the taxpayers have to foot the bill for his incarceration?

That makes no sense. Had he put up a fight, it would actually cost the taxpayers more money to fund a trial and THEN the inevitable jail sentence. No, his plea is the easiest, quickest and least expensive way to just get on with the punishment when he and everyone else knows he is guilty. He should be commended for facing the music, instead of trying to manipulate the system into a reduced sentence on account of "poor upbringing."

State prosecutors are asking for a nine-and-a-half year sentence

Where are you getting a lifetime? did you even bother to read the article? Even if he received that sentence, he would be out in six. He's 20 years old. Not some 12 year old.

That sentence is ridiculous. Shameful. It is another example of a broken system.

He probably could have been successful enough in a few years to BUY his own plane. Sad thing is, even with all that talent and brains, he had the wrong attitude and intent. THAT is what derailed him. Too late kid. You blew it big time.

What a stupid remark. It wasn't your plane he stole and crashed. Why do people hero worship these maniacs? It is a blessing he was caught BEFORE he had the chance to kill someone. I am glad he is "One of Us" to you. He is most definitely nothing to ME.

Everybody gets caught eventually? Newt's back! FL gov. should be in jail for his defrauding Medicare, then there's Issa and , forget it.

@ Meg-267733 He was interesting. His life mirrored an action movie and he was only 20. It was him versus the government and for a while he seemed to be winning. That's why people like him. In the last two years of his life he's lived more then you'll ever live in your life as an accountant, or analyst, or teacher. Of course he deserves to be punished. I don't dispute that. But I also think it would of been cool if he hadn't been caught. And never once was he close to killing anyone besides himself.

@ One of Us- it was interesting to read about the antics and funny that the feds couldn't get him. Meg- he did blow it but not for life. I should know- I had a kid get "stupid" like he did. In retrospect I'm glad he was caught. The kid that did time learned survival in prison and straightened out just fine and moved on with his life. Prison is NOT a nice place. He does have a chance to move on after he gets out. If he was wise enough to outfox the feds for so long, he just may survive prison and be fine. Then I hope he puts that intelligence to something positive.

It will end when he faces a armed victim.

I agree. The die is cast with this man. He has no regard for anything except his own selfish impulses. He definitely displays strong sociopathic tendencies and is best kept away from the rest of us who have earned what we have.

LOL a politician

Maybe that whats wrong w this country. We let them out of prison and elect to govern. Remember Marion Barry??

Meg, The exact caliber of idiots put obama in the W.H. It goes to show that America has gone to hell.

David. The exact caliber of idiots put Bush in the White House, and are now preparing to put Gingrich in the Presidency.

Idiots voted for McCain - not Obama, idiot.

Have a nice day.

right you are. The number of fools is growing rapidly in our country but guess what ? Gingrich is not going anywhere. We will have Obama 4 more years.