Justin Casquejo, the 14-year-old aspiring urban explorer who had trespassed his way to the top of the unfinished 1 World Trade Center in March, has been sentenced to 23 days of community service Wednesday, as expected.
Earlier this summer, the Weehawken, NJ teen admitted to breaking the city’s misdemeanor law that prohibits scaling tall buildings without permission. Casquejo entered the construction site through a hole in the fence and eventually made it inside by scaling scaffolding and ladders. He then rode the elevator to the 88th floor without proper identification, despite an attendant on duty. He took some stairs to the 104th floor where he snuck past a sleeping guard to take some triumphant photos of himself, before getting caught on his way down.
The young man and his lawyer chose not to speak at the sentencing, but apparently, Casquejo’s 1,200-word essay made a big impression on Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Felicia Menin, who said:
The court is impressed by your sincerity, remorsefulness and willingness to accept responsibility for your conduct.
I hope you all learned your lesson, kids! Writing skills are very useful. (Photo: Justin Casquejo)
