Torn Requests Admission Into Probation Program

Troubled Men in Black star Rip Torn has applied for admission into a probation program for first-time offenders stemming from a Connecticut bank break-in in January (10).

The actor was found sprawled on the floor of the Litchfield Bancorp building in his hometown of Salisbury late at night, clutching a loaded revolver while reportedly drunk.

He told cops he thought the building was his home.

The 79 year old, real name Elmore Rual Torn, was arrested and charged with a string of offenses, including carrying a pistol without a permit, carrying a firearm while intoxicated, first-degree burglary, first-degree criminal trespass and third-degree criminal mischief.

He checked himself into a rehabilitation facility in New York after being released on bail and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Torn's legal team has been working with prosecutors to work out a plea deal for the star in a bid to land a lesser punishment and his attorney, A. Thomas Waterfall, filed papers in a Connecticut court on Tuesday (13Jul10) asking for accelerated rehabilitation.

The program is designed for nonviolent first-time offenders and allows the charges to be dropped after a period of probation.

But he will face a challenge from prosecutors - they plan to oppose therequest at a hearing on 11 August (10).

However, Torn has been given a small reprieve - authorities have dropped the burglary charge against him after agreeing the actor had no intention of stealing from the bank during the incident.