Jeb Corliss Convicted, Faces Year Behind Bars

Jeb Corliss, who attempted to parachute off the Empire State Building in 2006 and has been in and out of court since, was convicted yesterday of reckless endangerment. He could face up to one year in jail, a significantly steeper punishment than was just handed to NY Times Building climber Alain Robert, who received a fine and community service. Corliss told the awaiting press,"I'm shocked. I can't believe it," and he'll now have to wait until January 22nd to find out what his exact sentencing will be. The Daily News adds that defense lawyer Mark Heller spoke up to Assistant DA Mark Crooks, a relative of flight pioneer Orville Wright, saying "If your great-great-granduncle were alive today, he would disagree with your argument that Jeb Corliss was being selfish, arrogant and reckless." Crooks responded that the Wright Brothers "didn't take their flying machines into crowded cities."

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By Jen Carlson in News on December 4, 2008 1:17 PM

Comments [rss]

cathalcom

you guys have no idea: Corliss is a pioneer; he'll be remembered after any of you; keep up the spirit Jeb;

r1b2

This seems excessive. It seems like the law isn't being applied consistenly these days. Robert walks, and then this?

Snoopy

Are you suggesting Spirit that the judge was pro anti-gravity? If so there might be a chance to appeal the court ruling based on the judge's bias.

Spirit of 76

He'll be out in a couple of months, if that, in exchange for a promise to the judge that he'll stay out of trouble.

Petit was trying to stay up. Corliss was trying to come down. A little bit of difference there.

NannyState

I wish this media whore could pull a twenty but I'll settle for some high-flying gang-rape.

AHT

Is Heller living in the same city as the rest of us?

As for Corliss...good riddance. Enjoy prison!

Snoopy

I'd like to see Philippe Petit do his trick again given the times we are in.

Snoopy

I'd like to see Philippe Petit do his trick again given the times we are in.

Kevin Walsh

Philippe Petit was lionized. Corliss is roasted. 32 years can make a big difference. If I was Jeb, I'd look up Philippe for some public relations buzz.

www.forgotten-ny.com