The 18-year-old defendant does not have a criminal record to speak of, just a work ethic and an Internet connection.

But he stands now in night court, and his public defender is trying to explain to the judge the unfortunate series of events that brought him here.

The teenager responded to an ad on Craigslist looking for someone with a strong back to move boxes.

The young go-getter reported for duty and spent the morning loading boxes onto a truck. Then, in the early afternoon, police and federal agents descended on the Manhattan warehouse where he toiled.

After months of watching and waiting, the law enforcement team confiscated thousands of fake DVDs and CDs and took down a major counterfeiting ring.

Although the young man shuttling boxes did not appear on any arrest warrants or surveillance film, the temp job cost him: The go-getter got got.

The attorney insists his client had good intentions, but lousy timing.

"This young man is no counterfeiter, your honor," he says.

The judge takes a long look at the teenager, then announces her decision: She releases him on his own recognizance.

The young man thanks his public defender and walks out of court — with a line item that will never appear on his resume.