Eric's Diversion Files Transcribed

NAME: Eric Harris

DOB: 4/9/81

COUNSELOR: Sanchez (Andrea Sanchez leaves in June 1998)

DCJ CRITERIA: Yes

INTAKE DATE: 3/19/98

CASE NUMBER: 98JD335

CR#: 98-2218

DIVISION: 5

COURT DATE: 3/25/98

ASSESSMENT DATE: 4/7/98

OFFENSE:

1st degree Criminal Trespass (F5), Theft (F4), and Criminal Mischief (M2).

On 1/30/98, Eric Harris, and his codefendant Dylan Klebold were driving around their neighborhood when they decided to park near the intersection of Deer Creek Canyon Road and Wadsworth Blvd. to "mess around". They noticed a van parked on the other side of the lot, and went to look inside. They saw a lot of electronic equipment. They broke the van's window, and took the items that were inside. They left the scene, and went to park at the Jefferson County open space nearby. Erie and Dylan were looking at the electronics they stole when a Jefferson County Sheriff knocked on the window, and began questioning them about the equipment. Eric and Dylan admitted guilt. They were arrested, booked, and released to their parents.

PRIOR RECORD:

None.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS:

Eric began taking Zoloft for depression about 6 weeks ago [Feb. 21 1998]. He said that he is feeling better now that he is on medication. Eric said that he has problems with anxiety and allows his anger to build up until he explodes. Eric says when he gets really mad he punches walls. He is seeing a therapist once or twice a month. The family also meets with him on occasion. Eric said that he has thought about suicide a couple of times, but never seriously, mostly out of anger.

DRUG/ALCOHOL HISTORY:

ALCOHOL:

Light/none. Eric has drank alcohol 3 times, and has never been drunk. The first time he tried it was at age 13, the last he drank was approx. 9 months ago. He doesn't like the taste or the effects of alcohol, and says it doesn’t “interest” him.

DRUGS: None. Eric has never used illegal drugs. He said that drugs are ”trouble” and are a “waste of time, and of life”.

EDUCATION/EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

Eric is a junior at Columbine High School. His grades are A's and B's, and he is enrolled in several honors classes. Eric puts forth a good effort to maintain his grades. He was suspended Oct. 1997 for three days for possessing student locker combinations. Eric gets along well with teachers and administrators, and he has many friends. Eric plans to graduate from High School, and get a job in the computer field, he is unsure about whether he will attend College.

FAMILY HISTORY:

Eric has a good relationship with both parents. He said they are dependable, supportive, and loving. His mother said that he is respectful, and wishes the family would communicate more. Eric and his older brother Kevin are very close, he goes to school at CU, they see and speak to each other often. Eric says his parents are “strict, but fair”. They need to know where he is and who he is with most of the time. Eric's punishments generally include being grounded, and taking away privileges. After this incident occurred Eric was grounded for a month, he could have no contact with Dylan, and was not allowed to use the computer. Mr. and Mrs. Harris believe that Diversion is a good program, and it will allow Eric to accept responsibility for his actions, and realize the seriousness of his offenses. There is no criminal history in the family.

PEER RELATIONSHIPS:

Eric enjoys playing soccer, spending time with friends, going to movies, and playing on the computer. Eric spends a lot of time away from home, he’s either working, going to school, or going out with friends. His parents know most of his friends and he feels comfortable having friends over. His codefendant Dylan is his only friend with a criminal history, and none of his friends drink alcohol or use drugs. Eric feels that gangs are “stupid and dangerous”. Eric does not currently have a girlfriend, and he has never been sexually active. He is well educated on birth control and sexually transmitted diseases.

INTAKE IMPRESSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

Eric was cooperative, open and honest during his intake appointment. He feels Diversion is appropriate for his actions, but feels Dylan is more responsible since it was his idea. He said that he thought about the victim while he took the equipment, but said that it did not detour him. Eric is a 12 mo. CA, his contract includes; 45 hrs of community service, anger management, individual counseling, MADD victim panel, part time work, monthly progress reports, and the CJ class.

PRE-INTAKE PHONE INTERVIEW FORM:

Client: Eric Harris

Phone Interview Date: 3/3/98

Intake Group Date: 3/19/98

Juvenile Eligible for Intake: Yes

Counselor: Andrea Sanchez

Orientation Group Date: 4/21/98

Verify juvenile’s address: Jeffco

Ascertain culpability for the referring charge: Guilty

Does the juvenile have any prior or pending charges? No

Has the juvenile ever been part of a gang or involved in gang activities? No

If possible, determine if there is an obvious safety issue: None

JDP INTAKE AND ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST:

This form contains two sections. The first section is completed during part two of the intake group or during individual intakes. This includes the yes/no check list forms and notes. The assessment section is completed five weeks after the client is accepted onto Diversion.

Client: Eric Harris

Counselor: Andrea Sanchez

Date: 3/19/98

Intake Group – For Part Two

Admits Responsibility: Yes

Prior Police Contacts/Runaways: No

Suicidal Feelings or Actions: No

Homicidal Assaultive Feelings or Actions: No

Alcohol/Other Drug Use (including medications being taken): Yes (Zoloft since end of Feb. 98)  

Physical/Sexual Abuse: No

School Problems (disciplinary/truancy/success): No

Gang Activity: No

Carry Weapon: No

Working: Yes

Parent Involvement: Yes

Parent Wants Intervention: Yes

Accepted: Yes

Notes:

Quick temper – punch objects

Zoloft – anti-depressants

Suspended 10/97 hack

Work – Blackjack Pizza 15-20 hours

PARENT INFORMATION:

Child Lives With: Both parents

Adopted: No

Primarily Raised in Single Parent Home: No

Mother’s Name: Katherine Ann Harris Age: 48 Employer: Everything Goes How Long: 4 months

Father’s Name: Wayne Age: 49 Employer: Flight Safety Services Corp. How Long: 2 years

Siblings Total #: 1

Name: Kevin Gender: Male Age: 19 Lives with: Self

Total Number of People Living in Household: 3

Relationship to Client: Father, Mother

CHILD’S MEDICAL:

Insurance: Cigna

Physician/Facility: Columbine Medical

Any Physical Limitations: No

Emergency Room Care: No

Test for ADD/ADHD: No

Other Medication: Yes  Describe: Anti-depressant – Zoloft

Allergies: No

Please describe your version of your child’s offense: Participated in break in of an auto, took property  

What is your attitude toward Diversion: Good alternative to confinement, fines

List all traffic violations your child has received: 12/97 - Arapahoe County - Speeding - Paid Fine

CHILD’S EDUCATION:

Client Education: Public

Currently Attending School: Yes   Where: Columbine High School   Grade: 11

Contact Person: Frank DeAngelis   Position: Principal

Academic Achievement - Grades Earned during Last Year: B’s, C’s   Any Subjects Failed: None

Suspensions: 3 days – use of illegally obtained locker combinations

Attendance: Good

Classroom Behavior: Good

Special Education Placement: No

Extracurricular Activities: Soccer, part-time work

CHILD’S MENTAL HEALTH (Evaluations or Treatment/Counseling)

Dr. Kevin Albert, Colorado Family Center, (every 3 weeks) March 2 1998 – present

Your Attitude toward Mental Health: Can be effective, worth a try

Problems Your Child Had or Is Currently Having: Anger, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts
• After this incident occurred, Eric expressed his feelings concerning the above items to a psychologist. The doctor recommended antidepressant medication which seems to have helped. His mood is more upbeat. Eric seems to suppress his anger, then “blow up” and hit something or verbally lash out. He hasn’t done this at home but has done it at school and work.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Are you aware of any alcohol or drug use by your child? No

Have you seen any sudden behavior changes in your child? No

Family history of alcohol or drug addictions: No

Describe your attitude towards alcohol and drugs use: Discourage abuse of alcohol, no illegal use of drugs or alcohol

Overall Rating of Your Child’s Use

Alcohol: Past – None    Present – None

Drugs: Past – None    Present – None

FAMILY

Child often away from home? No

Do you feel safe in your neighborhood? Yes

Number of moves in past three years? 1

Has your child ever been placed out of the home? No

Have any of your children ever lived in a group home? No

History of terminal illness? No

Significant Loss? No

Do you know the names, ages, addresses, ph #’s, parents of your child’s friends? Yes

Do you feel your child’s friends are mostly positive or mostly negative or both? Both. Was involved the incident with his best friend, one other friend has had some problems, other friends seem mostly positive.

How often does your child check in with you each day? 1x after school

Which behaviors get your child punished? Poor grades, too much computer, car offenses

Type of punishment: Grounding, Loss of Privileges

What happens when you have a conflict with your children or spouse? Who does what to whom? Discuss conflict, reasons. Usually wait a few days to impose punishment

When do you know a conflict is over? When we discuss the incident or situation and agree on the facts and punishment and he has to accept responsibility for his actions and complete his punishment

Do you receive any financial assistance? No

Describe any financial difficulties? None

CLIENT INFORMATION

INTERVIEWER: Andrea Sanchez

RETURN DATE: 3/25/98

YOUTH’S PERSONAL DATA

Name: Eric Harris

DOB: 4/9/81

Age: 16

Address:

Length of time at this address: 2 years

Home Phone:

Work Phone: 978-0600

Soc. Sec. #: 284 82 1498

Sex: Male

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 140 lbs

Ethnicity: White

Tattoos/Scars: Scar on chest

Please describe your version of the offense: Broke into a car and stole $1700 worth of equipment, was caught 30 minutes later.

What impact has this had on your family? Shocked them, all trust is lost

Describe your relationship (past and present) with codefendant: Best friend past and current

What is your attitude toward Diversion: Looking forward to it, hopefully it will set me straight

DRIVING RECORD

Driver’s License #: 96-334-0922

State: Colorado

Current Status: Valid

Expiration Date: 4/29/99

Auto Insurance Company: State Farm

List all traffic violations: December, Jeffco, CO, speeding, paid $60 and 2 points deducted

EDUCATION

Client Education: Public

Currently Attending School: Yes    Where: Columbine High School    Grade: 11

Start: 8/16/97    Finish: 5/28/98

Contact Person: Mr. Butts    Position: Counselor

Previous School: Ken Caryl Middle School    Start: ’94    Finish: ‘95

Academic Achievement – Grades earned last year: B’s

Suspensions: One 3 day suspension for having and using locker combinations

Attendance: Good

Classroom Behavior: Participate often, overall good

Special Education Placement: No

Extracurricular Activities: Soccer

Educational/Career Goals: Marine, computer science

EMPLOYMENT

Employer: Blackjack Pizza (part-time)

City: Littleton

Dates of Employment: started in June 1997

Hours worked per week: 15-20

Salary: 5.55/hr

Job Title: Cook

Have you ever been fired? No

What is the longest period of time you ever worked for one job? 9 months (and counting)

What do you currently earn each month? Approx. $500

What financial obligations do you have monthly?
• Insurance $130
• Gas $50
• Social Activity $200
• Car Repair $200

MENTAL HEALTH (Evaluations or Treatment/Counseling)

Dr. Kevin Albert, Colorado Family Center, (every 3 weeks) 2/? 3/2, 3/16 continuing

Describe your attitude toward mental health treatment: It’s nice. It helps me realize things.

Problems You have Had or Are Currently Having: Anger, Anxiety, Authority Figures, Depression, Disorganized Thoughts, Homicidal Thoughts, Jealousy, Loneliness, Mood Swings, Obsessive Thoughts, Racing Thoughts, Stress, Suspiciousness, Temper
• Short temper. Often get angry at almost anything I don’t like. Like people I have no respect for, trying to tell me what to do. People telling me what to think. I have too many inside jokes or thoughts to have very many friends or I hate too many things.

Do you feel in control of your life? Yes

Do you get along better with men or women? Men

What have been the most traumatic experiences in your life? Moving from Plattsburgh, New York and this incident

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Were you under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the offense? No

If you have ever broken the law in the past, were you ever under the influence of alcohol or drugs? No

Have you ever drank or used drugs by yourself? Yes, after shock and tequila (drink names)

Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms? No

Family history of alcohol or drug addictions: None that I know of

Alcohol Use

Describe your present use of alcohol: None

When was your first use of alcohol (age, with whom, what, where and why)? 15 years old, with 2 friends, various liquors at friends’ house, wanted to

When was the last time you used alcohol? July 1997 tequila

Describe your attitude toward drinking: Don’t want to anymore, don’t need it

Drug Use

Describe your present use of drugs: None

Overall Rating of Use

Alcohol: Past – Light    Present – None

Drugs: Past – None    Present – None

FAMILY

Are you often away from home? Yes (school, work)

Do you feel safe in your neighborhood? Yes

Number of moves in past three years? 1

Have you ever been placed out of home? No

Have any of your siblings lived in a group home? No

History of terminal illness? No

Significant Loss: No

Family member most supportive: Kathy Harris (easier to talk to)

Family member least supportive: Wayne Harris (he’s not really, it’s basically equal)

When you have problems, who do you talk to? Friends, peers, coworkers  

What issues? Problems with family and friends and school

Do your parents know the names, ages, addresses, ph #’s, parents of your friends? Yes

How often do you check in with your parents each day? Every 3 hours

Which behaviors get you punished? Anger, not doing chores

Type of punishment: Grounding (week), Loss of privileges, Loss of possessions, Yelled at

What happens when you have a conflict with your parents and siblings? Dad yells at me or me and my brother yell at each other

When do you know a conflict is over? When my parents say so

FRIENDS/HOBBIES

Describe how you spend your spare time: Playing computer games, going out with friends, playing soccer

List organizations you belong to: Columbine Rush (soccer team)

How many close friends do you have and how old are they? One, 16

Do your friends use drugs and alcohol? No

Do your friends attend school regularly? Yes

Have your friends ever been in trouble with the law? Yes

Have you or your friends ever been part of a gang or involved in gang activities? No

Do you currently have a boyfriend/girlfriend? No

Have you ever been sexually active? No

Authorization to Release Information



Dr. Kevin Albert, Colorado Family Center, 794-7761, from 3/12/98 to 3/25/99

TERMINATION REPORT JUVENILE DIVERSION

NAME: Eric Harris

CASE NUMBER: 98JD336

DATE ACCEPTED: 3/25/98

STATUS: 12 Month CA

TERMINATION DATE: 2/2/99

DCJ CRITERIA: YES

DIVERSION OFFICER: Robert Kriegshauser

STATUS: Successful Early Termination

TERMINATION REASON: Complete Compliance with Diversion

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION: Eric accepted Diversion on the presenting charges of 1st Deg. Criminal Trespass (F5) , Theft (F4), and Criminal Mischief (M2) . Eric's Diversion contract included a CJ Class, Progress reports, Apology letter, 45 hours Community Service, Fees, Adult Legal Issues, Anger Mgmt, MADD Panel, Ind. Counseling.

Eric did a very nice job on Diversion. He remained focused on Diversion despite completing a few classes that he felt had no impact, such as the MADD Panel. He did enjoy completing the Anger Mgmt. at ISAE which seemed to fit nicely with the individual counseling he was involved with. Eric excelled in school and never had any problems in this area. All fees including the two negative urine scans were paid in a timely manner. Community Service was completed at the Link Rec. Center and the comments from the supervisor were very good. Eric completed the Adult Legal Issues Packet very quickly and stated that he thought that piece was interesting because he discovered things he did not know.

PROGNOSIS: Good. Eric is a very bright young man who is likely to succeed in life. He is intelligent enough to achieve lofty goals as long as he stays on task and remains motivated.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Successful Termination

Eric should seek out more education at higher levels. He impressed me as being very articulate and intelligent. These are skills that he should grow and use as frequently as possible.

DIVERSION OFFICERS’ LOG:

4/16/98: Met with Eric. Gave him apology letter outline, a rough draft is due next appt. Discussed plan of action while on Diversion. First apology letter, then begin CS, continue with therapy, attend MADD and do CJ class. Eric has been having difficulty with his medication for depression. A few nights ago he was unable to concentrate and felt restless. He went to the doctor and the Dr. is changing his medication. Ha can't start the new medication for 2 weeks because the Zoloft needs to get out of his system first. He is a little concerned about how he will feel for the next few weeks. School and work are going well. Prom is Saturday, he isn't going to the dance, but he is going to the After Prom party. Took a UA, said it would be clean. Next appt 4/30 @ 2 pm.

4/30/98: Met with Eric. Brought in apology letter, well written, just needed a few changes, will redo and bring back next appt. After Prom party was fun. Established CS deadlines 10 hrs by 6/1, 15 hrs by 6/29, and 20 hrs by 8/3. Grades on report card were A's, B's, and a C. Eric is feeling okay now that he isn't on medication, but knows he will feel better when he begins his new medication. Work is going well. He brought in a planner and said that it is helping him stay more organized. Next appt 5/14 @ 2 pm.

5/14/98: Met with Eric. Brought in a rewritten apology letter, did good job. Began new medication, doesn't feel a difference yet, his Dr. said it would take a few weeks. Therapy is going well, still seeing him twice a month. Received a raise at work. Eric plans on getting another job this summer to save more money. Next appt 6/3 @ 10:30.

6/2/98: Met with Eric. He completed 15 hrs of CS and met his first deadline. Reports his grades are A's - C's. He is working part-time at Blackjack Pizza, and is looking for another job to do during the day. Says he feels pretty good, and his stress is better now that school is out. Went over payment schedule, first payment due next appt. I told him that Bob would be his new counselor. Next appt 6/24 @ 2:30.

6/24/98: Met with Eric. He got another job. He now works at Tortilla Wraps and Blackjack Pizza. He has finished 25 hrs of CS, he has met his deadlines so far. Brought in a $36.25 money order, next payment due in July. Medication is good, he is controlling his stress well. I introduced him to Bob and they scheduled his next appt. Muy facile hombre (Very easy man).

7/10/98: First appt with Eric after transfer from Andrea Sanchez caseload. Eric is doing well. He turned in $100.00 toward court fees. He reports that his medication dosage is changing and he will be taking 100 mg now. Introduced myself and had Eric describe himself. Next appt in SWP 7/27/98.

7/27/98: Eric called to reschedule. He had a sudden work conflict. Told him that I will not reschedule for work again. Moved to 8/3/98.

8/3/98: On time. Turned in CSW completed. Placed call to supervisor but only left message. Referred to Anger Mgmt. at ISAE and due to be completed by 12-1-98. I changed CJ Class to Adult Legal Issues. Gave him Green book and packet is due next appt. Next appt 8/24/98 in SWP.

8/24/98: On time. Eric turned in Adult Legal Issues completed and gave book back. He paid all fees owed to date. $138.75 and $15.25. I reminded Eric of the need for Violence is Preventable and the MADD Panel. He has not scheduled the ISAE Class and I reminded him of the deadline. He is planning or completing the panel in Sept. We began a discussion of the need for rules in society and how they affect people’s actions. We will continue this conversation at next appt if time allows. Need UA. Next appt 9/17/98.

9/17/98: On time. Eric is doing well. He brought a grade report which shows solid grades. He turned in his MADD Impact Panel verification. Eric asked if he would be allowed to go on a trip to Germany in March. I told him that I would base my decision on his progress at that time. I told him that if he works hard I will try to ST him a little early so he can enjoy his trip without stress about Diversion. I reminded him that his effort and progress must remain excellent for this to happen. UA completed today. Next appt 10/15/98.

9/23/98: UA from 9/17/98 back negative.

10/15/98: Eric on time. We did not have much opportunity to discuss contract today since Eric brought in a Speeding Ticket that he received today. I told him to speak to his parents tonight and then call me with consequences. We talked about the kinds of things I have at my disposal to use. I will wait until parents address issue to consequence. Next appt 11/2/98.

10/19/98: Message from Eric. Parents were upset. They have not consequenced yet and are thinking about it. I will address this next time whether they have acted or not.

11/3/98: On time. Eric reports that he was grounded for three weeks due to ticket. He will be in contact with the court about the fines tomorrow. He brought progress report which shows solid work. Things going well at home. He claims that the anger class was completed and that he will turn in paper soon. Next appt 12/1/98.

12/1/98: On time. Anger Essay turned in from the ISAE Class. Eric honestly reported that he felt like the class was something of a waste of time. He had heard most of it etc … Progress report in and solid grades showing. Eric reports that the ticket for speeding was reduced to a 1 point defective turn signal and that he completed the defensive driving class. All is reported as well. Next appt 12/21/98 @ 3:30 p.m. I told him that the next appt after 12-21-98 will be in SWF.

12/21/98: On time. Eric is doing well. No problems. We discussed what classes he will be taking next semester. It is a pretty heavy schedule. He said all is well at home. Next appt 1/19/99 @ 4:00 p.m.

1/19/99: Eric on time. He is doing well. School is reported as all A's and he intends to keep this up. He reports that counseling is still going and he has only one session left and he will get discharged next month. I told him to return tomorrow since I staffed his case and will early terminate him tomorrow.

1/20/99: On time. We went through termination paperwork. Gave expung. info and termination facts. Talked about making good choices in the future.

***FILE CLOSED***

ERIC HARRIS

12 mo CA

Really nice young man. Seems responsible and remorseful.

He is working 2 jobs over the summer to save money. He is working at Tortilla Wraps and Blackjack pizza.

He suffers from Depression, he changed meds and feels better. He has difficulties handling stress but says he has a good handle on it now.

DONE

- apology letter

- individual counseling (on going)

NEEDS

- MADD victim panel on 7/9 (paperwork in file)

- anger management

- CJ class (possible)

- finish CS should be done soon, deadlines in notes.

I am not at all worried about drug use from Eric, pretty good head on shoulders (now watch he will get a hot UA for Acid or something)

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thank you very much) oh) Documents have so bad print) And Thanks for Dylan`s

Thank you !

No problem, you are welcome.