Alleged 'Barefoot Bandit' to change not guilty plea

Colton Harris-Moore, also known as the "Barefoot Bandit," is expected to plead guilty to charges stemming from his 2-year run from authorities.Colton Harris-Moore pleaded not guilty to several federal charges last weekLawyer: A draft of plea agreement was being worked on last week Harris-Moore is accused of stealing boats, cars, and planes while eluding police A possible book and movie deals are in the works

(CNN) -- Colton Harris-Moore, whom authorities have dubbed the "Barefoot Bandit," will be in a Seattle courtroom Friday to change the not guilty plea he entered earlier.

The alleged "Barefoot Bandit" entered a not guilty plea during a federal court appearance June 9.

At the time, a lawyer representing him said attorneys were working on the details of a plea agreement.

Harris-Moore gained notoriety and earned his nickname for allegedly leading police on a two-year manhunt while eluding capture in stolen boats, cars and planes -- usually while barefoot.

In May, a federal judge added bank robbery to an indictment that contains several other federal charges stemming from Harris-Moore's capture in the Bahamas last year. Four of the charges are punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

His attorney, John Henry Browne, told reporters a draft of a plea agreement was close to being finished last week.

The negotiations included his client paying money for restitution, Browne said. The amount would likely be about $1.3 million, Browne said.

Browne stressed that his 20-year-old client wants any money generated from a likely book or movie deals to go to the victims.

"There's a lot of interest, there's active negotiations," Browne said. "He really doesn't want publicity, but regardless of whether Colton cooperates or not, there is going to be a movie made about (him), there will be other books written about him. That's going to happen no matter what."

As the "Barefoot Bandit," Harris-Moore garnered a loyal and outspoken fan base on Facebook -- at one point amassing more than 50,000 fans.

He was arrested in July 2010 after allegedly crashing a stolen plane in the Bahamas and then trying to escape on a stolen boat. He'd been on the run from police since escaping from a Washington group home in 2008.

His trial is scheduled to begin July 11.

CNN

Alleged 'Barefoot Bandit' pleads not guilty

Colton Harris-Moore earned his nickname for allegedly leading police on a two-year manhunt while eluding capture barefoot.Colton Harris-Moore pleads not guilty to six federal charges Lawyer: A draft of plea agreement is expected soonHarris-Moore is accused of stealing boats, cars, and planes while eluding police capturePossible book and movie deals are in the works

(CNN) -- The alleged "Barefoot Bandit" entered a not guilty plea during a federal court appearance Thursday, but a lawyer representing him said attorneys were working on the details of a plea agreement.

Colton Harris-Moore gained notoriety and earned his nickname for allegedly leading police on a two-year manhunt while eluding capture in stolen boats, cars and planes -- usually while barefoot.

In May, a federal judge added bank burglary to an indictment that contains five other federal charges stemming from Harris-Moore's dramatic July 2010 capture in the Bahamas. Four of the charges are punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

His attorney, John Henry Browne, told reporters a draft of a plea agreement could be finished by the end of the day Thursday.

Negotiations for a restitution amount are still under way, he said, adding that the amount will likely be about $1.3 million. Browne stressed that his 20-year-old client wants any money generated from likely book or movie deals to go to the victims.

"There's a lot of interest, there's active negotiations," Browne said. "He really doesn't want publicity, but regardless of whether Colton cooperates or not, there is going to be a movie made about (him), there will be other books written about him. That's going to happen no matter what."

Harris-Moore limped into court Thursday, but Browne noted that his client was smiling and joking. Browne said Harris-Moore is in "segregation" because officials are concerned about how he was injured. Browne attributed the limp to an injury Harris-Moore sustained during a volleyball game.

As the "Barefoot Bandit," Harris-Moore garnered a loyal and outspoken fan base on Facebook -- at one point amassing more than 50,000 fans.

He was arrested in July 2010 after allegedly crashing a stolen plane in the Bahamas and then trying to escape on a stolen boat. He'd been on the run from police since escaping from a Washington group home in 2008.

Harris-Moore's trial is scheduled to begin July 11.

CNN