rip torn denied probation for bank break-in

Rip Torn, Emmy Award-winning actor and seen recently as Zed in the Men In Black franchise, was denied probation request by a Judge in Connecticut for breaking into a bank and branding a weapon in January of this year.

According to Yahoo News:

Torn has pleaded not guilty to trespassing, carrying a weapon while intoxicated, carrying a weapon without a permit and criminal mischief.

Litchfield Superior Court Judge James Ginocchio ruled the charges are too serious to qualify for a program called accelerated rehabilitation, especially since Torn was still in a court-ordered alcohol education program from a drunken driving charge — later dismissed — at the time of the alleged bank break-in.

The accelerated rehabilitation program for first-time, nonviolent offenses would have cleared his record after he completed probation.

"There's some indication here that even when supervised, alcohol is still a problem," Litchfield State's Attorney David Shepack said as Torn, who did not speak, sat quietly with his attorney in the mostly empty courtroom.