N.J. teen pleads guilty to 1 World Trade Center climb

NEW YORK - A teen who climbed to the top of the newly-constructed World Trade Center tower has pleaded guilty, reports CBS New York. The stunt captured media attention and sparked concerns about security at the nation's tallest building.

Sixteen-year-old Justin Casquejo, of Weehawken, N.J., admitted Wednesday to breaking a New York City misdemeanor law against scaling tall buildings without permission, according to the station. He's expecting a sentence of 23 days of community service.

The climbing enthusiast was arrested on his way down the unfinished skyscraper at the heart of the security-conscious site on March 16.

On March 21, Casquejo tweeted he was sorry for the incident, the station reports.

"I seriously apologize to anyone who may have been insulted or felt disrespected by my actions," Casquejo wrote. "It was not my intention to do so."

Court papers revealed that he managed to slip through a small gap in a construction fence, then used a ladder, scaffolding, elevators and stairs to ascend the 1,776-foot-tall tower. Police said he had been in the building for at least an hour taking pictures.

The trade center's owner has since made changes in the building's security.

A group of men are facing charges in a separate case after authorities said they parachuted from the tower in September. Their lawyer has attempted to negotiate a plea deal that won't result in a felony conviction, but prosecutors have been reluctant to strike such a deal.