Former JetBlue flight attendant submits to guilty plea deal

In August, it was commonly reported that Steven Slater, a JetBlue flight attendant, engaged a passenger in a verbal altercation. After being told off with profanity, Slater used the plane’s intercom system to cuss out passengers. He then pulled the emergency slide, stole two beers and quit his job.

Earlier today, the ramifications of Slater’s rage-induced departure have been made clear: He pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal mischief. CNN reports that, under the terms of the plea, he must enter a yearlong mental health program. If he does not comply, he will receive up to three years in prison.

“The public interest in this was surprising, unexpected and encouraging,” CNN quotes Slater as saying. “At the end of the day, I am a grown adult and must accept responsibility for my actions. Therefore, I am looking forward to moving forward with my life and I’m very grateful to the court for making these arrangements which allow me to do so.”

Slater’s dramatic departure from JetBlue garnered sympathy from the public, and he has since appeared on numerous talk shows. He is scheduled to appear on CNN’s Larry King Live later tonight.