USAO Press Release, Western District of Washington

Summary

On June 17, 2011, Colton Harris-Moore, pled guilty in U.S. District Court, Seattle, Washington, to bank burglary, interstate transportation of a stolen aircraft, interstate and foreign transportation of a stolen firearm, being a fugitive in possession of a firearm, piloting an aircraft without a valid airman's certificate, and interstate transportation of a stolen vessel. 

In 2008, Mr. Harris-Moore allegedly began a crime spree that involved the theft of aircraft, boats, vehicles, and firearms.  On more than one occasion, Mr. Harris-Moore piloted a stolen aircraft, without a valid airman's certificate.  It is estimated that based on Mr. Harris-Moore's conduct, 80 investigations have been initiated into residential and commercial burglaries, vehicle prowls, vehicle thefts, assault on law enforcement officials, and the theft of five aircraft.  In June 2010, Mr. Harris-Moore is alleged to have shifted his crime spree in an easterly direction where on July 4, 2010; Mr. Harris-Moore allegedly stole an aircraft in Indiana, which he flew to Grand Abaco Island in the Bahamas.  Mr. Harris-Moore survived the crash landing, his reportedly usual method of landing, in the Bahamas.  After being apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Police, Mr. Harris-Moore was transported and remains in custody at the State Center at SeaTac, Washington.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Mr. Harris-Moore forfeits any financial gain from telling his story and the proceeds are to be used to compensate the victims of his crimes.  Mr. Harris-Moore acknowledged that the amount of loss caused to victims of his crimes is at least $1.4 million.  Under the terms of the plea agreement, the recommend prison sentence will range between 63 and 78 months. 

This investigation was conducted with the FBI and numerous other state and local law enforcement agencies from across the country.