Rip Torn Pleads Guilty to Boozy Bank Break-In

Emmy winner has a change of heart and owns up to charges stemming from January bank break-in

By Brandi Fowler Dec 15, 2010 12:50 AMTags
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Guess the former Men in Black star has seen the light? 

Following his arrest back in January for reportedly breaking into a Salisbury, Conn., bank with a loaded gun after having one too many, actor Rip Torn pleaded guilty to charges stemming from those allegations Tuesday, according to reports.

So what went down?

Torn was taken into custody early this year after cops found out he had broken into the town's Litchfield Bancorp branch. He claimed he mistakenly thought the bank was his home (although he failed to explain why he would break into his own home with a gun), according to police. He later pleaded not guilty to those charges.

Tuesday, however, the 80-year-old Emmy winner had a change of heart, pleading guilty to reckless endangerment, criminal trespass, criminal mischief and the illegal carrying of a firearm. He was given a two-and-a-half year suspended jail sentence and three years probation. 

In order to prevent heading to the slammer, Torn must take random drug and alcohol tests, and will be banned from possessing a firearm, among other things. 

While Torn escaped his bank break-in stunt without going directly to jail, this isn't the first time his booze-fueled meanderings have gotten him into trouble. 

Reportedly, Torn has been busted for driving under the influence three times in the last five years. One DUI charge was dropped in May, after the actor successfully completed a court-ordered alcohol education program.