"[2] While on vacation in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 1985 (the day that President Ronald Reagan was sworn in for his second term) Latta gained access to the White House by following the 33 members of the Marine Band past security.

[2] While carrying an overnight bag, he was able to wander around the Executive Residence for 14 minutes,[1] but was eventually discovered near the Blue Room and was apprehended by Secret Service agents, who noticed that he had neither a uniform nor an instrument.

[2][4] Latta reportedly did not know he was doing anything illegal,[5] and was quoted as saying "I thought if I wasn't supposed to be there, somebody would stop me"[6] and that "I just wanted to see the ceremony...I'm kind of patriotic.

Later Latta was turned over to the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia and charged with a misdemeanor count of unlawful entry.

"[8] The unlawful entry had a maximum penalty of six months in jail, but because it was only a misdemeanor, Washington, D.C., prosecutors could not extradite him from Colorado if he did not return voluntarily.