Barefoot Bandit goes to the movies

Island County native Colton Harris-Moore, the infamous “Barefoot Bandit,” agreed to sell his story to a movie company, but he won’t get to keep a cent of the $1.3 million payment. Instead, the money will go to the victims of his cross-country crime spree. And that means Island County will likely get a share, since it is counted among the numerous alleged victims.

By Jessie Stensland • August 12, 2011 5:50 pm

Island County native Colton Harris-Moore, the infamous “Barefoot Bandit,” agreed to sell his story to a movie company, but he won’t get to keep a cent of the $1.3 million payment.

Instead, the money will go to the victims of his cross-country crime spree. And that means Island County will likely get a share, since it is counted among the numerous alleged victims.

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Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks said the county will be treated like any of the other victims in terms of restitution, though the amount is unknown.

“The money will be paid out through the federal system. I have been told it will be paid on a pro-rata basis, and that injured parties will be paid out before insurers,” he said.

Harris-Moore, a 20-year-old Camano Island resident, was charged in two cases in which restitution may be due to the county.

One of the most serious accusation against Harris-Moore is that he stole a semi-automatic rifle, a Smith & Wesson M&P-15, from a patrol car that an Island County deputy had parked in front of his home in June of 2009. The deputy’s portable breathalyzer and camera were later found in a woods, but the rifle hasn’t been recovered.

Harris-Moore was also charged in a burglary at the county’s Camano Annex from July of 2008. He took a safe with $370 in cash and a $2,000 projector; he was identified as the suspect from fingerprints, according to the police report. The safe was later found submerged in a pond. It had not been opened but the cash was destroyed by the water.

In addition, there are dozens of other victims in four different counties, including a number of people on Camano Island. They can expect to get a share of the movie money. In all, Harris-Moore was charged with 32 counts in this state, ranging from airplane theft to identity theft to eluding police.

Harris-Moore has already pleaded guilty to seven federal criminal charges in U.S. District Court in Seattle.

Banks said there is still a tentative plea bargain in which all the state charges against Harris-Moore will be resolved in Island County Superior Court. The Barefoot Bandit is expected to be moved to Island County jail in mid-September.