Wolcott To Face Single Charge In Citation Theft

Remember Daniel Wolcott? Back in October 2005, the pilot gained notoriety for allegedly stealing a Cessna Citation bizjet in Florida, and flying himself and five friends to Georgia.

As ANN reported, Wolcott -- then 22 -- allegedly stole the Citation VII from St. Augustine, FL and flew the jet to Gwinnett County Airport/Briscoe Field... taking his friends, who apparently didn't know the jet was stolen, along for the ride. Police described the incident as a "joy-ride."

Wolcott had his commercial rating, although he wasn't rated to fly the Citation. The fact he pulled it off led one police official to call the young man "a talented and gifted pilot."

Last week, Wolcott entered a guilty plea in Jacksonville, FL to a single charge of interstate transportation of a stolen aircraft. As part of the deal, prosecutors will drop other charges against the man, including other theft charges, and five counts of reckless conduct, according to the Gwinnett County (GA) Post.

A sentencing hearing is pending. Wolcott faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

He may earn credit for the nearly two-years he's already spent in jail, though, and Gwinnett County DA Danny Porter says the plea deal will likely mean Wolcott will receive a reduced sentence.

FMI: www.co.gwinnett.ga.us