Shepherd-Oppenheim offered informal probation program

College junior Cyrus Shepherd-Oppenheim, 22, was offered enrollment into an informal probation program designed for first-time, non-violent offenders Tuesday morning.

Shepherd-Oppenheim, son of actress Cybill Shepherd, was arrested Jan. 12 upon a plane’s landing in Philadelphia after allegedly stealing various items from other passengers on an overnight flight from San Francisco. The items, which included money and “travel folders,” were later found in the plane’s restroom.

The probation program, known as Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, will allow Shepherd-Oppenheim’s arrest to be expunged from his record.

“We’re very happy with that,” Defense Attorney William J. Brennan said, explaining that ARD is offered at the discretion of the district attorney.

Prosecuting District Attorney Melissa Francis said ARD was offered to Shepherd-Oppenheim because “he has an immaculate record and he’s a good student, and [his arrest] was an aberration.”

According to Francis, under the program, Shepherd-Oppenheim will be required to meet with a probation officer for one year while avoiding any more arrests. “If he violates that, then we’ll go forth with a trial,” she said. “But I don’t anticipate that happening.”

As part of ARD, Shepherd-Oppenheim will have to attend substance abuse classes, as he was alleged to be “popping pills and drinking on the plane,” Francis said.

Francis said all the victims were contacted about the decision to offer the program to Shepherd-Oppenheim. She added that all items have been returned to their owners, with the exception of one owner, to whom Shepherd-Oppenheim owes a restitution of $55.

She also explained that his enrollment in ARD is not considered a guilty plea. “The program is diversionary, so there will be no verdict,” she said.

Shepherd-Oppenheim’s official enrollment in ARD will take place June 4.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.