Judge praises school plotter, criticizes mother

The teenager who plotted a Columbine-style attack on Plymouth Whitemarsh High School was praised yesterday by a judge, who cited his remarkable transformation after spending time in a residential treatment center.

At an emotional hearing for Dillon Cossey, Montgomery County Court Judge Paul Tressler also delivered a devastating criticism of the boy's mother, who at one point left the courtroom because she feared she was going to vomit.

Addressing Michele Cossey from the bench, Tressler said: "You have destroyed this kid."

The judge then issued his order: Dillon Cossey, 15, will remain at George Junior Republic, a facility for at risk youths in Western Pennsylvania. However, he will move to a less-restrictive unit.

Tressler, who initially did not recognize the teen, was effusive in his praise of the boy's progress, especially his weight loss of 73 pounds, down from 305 pounds a year ago. He took a request for a home visit from the boy's attorney, J. David Farrell, under advisement.

"You've done well," the judge said. "I see you going home - you've earned it."

Dillon Cossey told the judge that during his 11 months of treatment, he had enjoyed soccer, volleyball, swimming, and having "friends my own age." The judge complimented him on his grades, which ranged from a low of 89 to mostly marks above 95, proving he has "a good brain."

The judge said Dillon Cossey had distanced himself physically and emotionally from the obese, home-schooled outcast who amassed an arsenal in his bedroom - including a 9mm assault rifle purchased by his mother. She pleaded guilty in September to child-endangerment and is awaiting sentencing.

Tressler heard testimony from Dillon Cossey's father, Frank Cossey, about a family overhaul that ranged from counseling to redecorating.

"We've all sought help, realizing we'd made bad choices," he said.

Frank Cossey said that he and his wife had redone their house, replacing furniture and repainting walls to erase a "depressing and dark" atmosphere. Any traces of the boy's obsession with violence were removed, he said.

Authorities were called to the home on Oct. 10, 2007, after a classmate told authorities that Dillon Cossey was planning an assault at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, which he had left because he felt he was being bullied there.

Police found no ammunition and said an attack was not imminent.

Tressler said that although he was pleased with Dillon Cossey's evaluations, he echoed the concerns of prosecutor Sharon Giamporcaro, chief of the juvenile division, about his mother.

"His major problem is sitting right over there - that lady in blue," the judge said, looking at Michele Cossey, 47. "You have destroyed this kid. . . . Until I trust you - and I do not at this point - he will not come home to you."

The judge said one of the more troubling revelations in the progress reports was a notation that Michele Cossey, who has been criticized for isolating her son, brought food to him during their twice-a-month visits. If she does that again, she will be barred for a month from seeing her son, Tressler said.

Visibly upset, Michele Cossey raised her hand, hoping to speak.

"This isn't a school - just keep quiet," the judge responded.

Tressler explained to Dillon Cossey that he recused himself from his mother's case when it was assigned to him.

"I don't think I could be fair with her," he said. "I don't dislike your mom. I dislike what she did to you."

The judge asked the teen for suggestions on getting his mother to change years of controlling behavior, such as bringing fast food to him during lunch in elementary school.

"In all honesty, I don't know," Dillon Cossey said. "I believe that despite the mistakes she made, she does in the end want what's best for me."

Tressler clarified his position: "I'm not saying she doesn't love you - what I'm saying is, she hasn't helped you."

Later, the judge allowed Michele Cossey to speak.

She acknowledged spoiling her son and said she was grateful for a chance to make amends.

"I may have overloved him," she said. "It is traumatizing for me to realize the damage I've caused."

She said she and her husband were willing to do whatever was necessary to facilitate their son's return home.

"We both want the best for him," she said.

After the proceeding, she said she wanted to thank her relatives, friends and members of the community for their support.

"We'll keep working through these changes and, hopefully, we'll be back together soon," she said.