Man Who Admitted To Threatening President Avoids Jail In Other Threat Case
GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4) - A Westminster man who pleaded guilty to threatening President Barack Obama and Colorado children made a plea deal to get out of federal custody and will only serve probation.
Mitchell Kusick admitted that he threatened the president last October. He pleaded guilty in court on Wednesday to making those threats.
In federal court he said at the time that he believed he was trying to seek infamy, but now he's matured and his medicine keeps him stable.
Last fall he called his therapist, Corey Candelaria, asking for an emergency session. When he told Candelaria he wanted to kill the president and shoot children at a Halloween event at Standley Lake High School Candelaria called police.
Candelaria, who spoke with CBS4 about the incident afterwards but said he couldn't comment about certain issues, said he doesn't think he deserves the title of hero.
Kusick spent nine months in federal prison and was being released on time served. He will have to live with his parents -- both of whom are psychotherapists.
Part of his release includes three years of supervision and comprehensive mental health treatment.
Kusick appeared before a judge in Jefferson County Thursday afternoon to face the charges involving the school threat.
His case was initially scheduled for next week but since he was released from federal prison the county court wanted him to face a judge right away.
In Jefferson County Kusick pleaded guilty to interference with staff, faculty or students of educational institutions.
Kusick was sentenced to three years probation, including monitored sobriety and mental health treatment for his bipolar disorder. He also was ordered to stay off all JeffCo Schools properties for the next three years.
If he violates those orders Kusick faces 18 months behind bars.
