Fil-Am teen who breached WTC security sentenced

NEW YORK - Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Felicia Menin on September 3 sentenced a thrill-seeking Filipino-American from New Jersey, who breached security at One World Trade Center, one of the most sensitive security sites in the country.

Menin sentenced Justin Casquejo 16 to 23 days of community service after a plea agreement in July, plus six extra days and two sessions of youth counseling, according to CBS news.

Casquejo in the spring sneaked past a reportedly sleeping security guard and climbed undetected to the top of the 104th floor of the tallest skyscraper on the western hemisphere.

The teen was arrested March 16, and pleaded guilty to a city misdemeanor law of scaling tall buildings. He had apologized for his ‘daredevil’ stunt and submitted a 1,200-word essay explaining what he had learned from his venture.

“The court is impressed by your security, remorsefulness and willingness to accept responsibility for your conduct,” said Judge Menin.

When Casquejo was arrested, he said he just wanted to take pictures -- which he did for two hours, even taking selfies, according to reports, atop what CNN says could be 'the world's third tallest building, after the Burj Khaloifa in Dubai and the Makkah Royal Clock Tower in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.'
 
The daring kid from Weehawken, New Jersey, was observed inside the tower beyond numerous posted signs 'Do not enter,' 'No tresppasing,' and 'Violators will be prosecuted.'
 
"I walked around the construction site and figured out how to access the Freedom Tower rooftop," he was quoted explaining to police his actions, according to the criminal complaint.

"I found a way up through the scaffolding, climbed onto the sixth floor, and took the elevator up to the 88th floor, I then took the staircase up to the 104th floor. I went to the rooftop and climbed the ladder all the way to the antenna."
 
This incident caused the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the trade center site, to make changes to the building's security system. They have also replaced the fired guard and hired a new company to handle security at building entrances. —Philippine News