Teen thief mocks judge, thinking he's untouchable—until his own mother intervenes

The courtroom erupted in whispers as 17-year-old Ryan Cooper walked in, his chin tilted up, his sneakers squeaking on the polished floor.

The teenager didn't look like someone about to go on trial for a string of burglaries in his suburban Ohio neighborhood. He looked more like he owned the place—his hands shoved in the pockets of his hoodie, and a smirk played on his lips.

Alan Whitmore, a seasoned man, watched the boy stagger toward the defendant's table. He had previously judged hardened criminals, tearful first-time offenders, and people genuinely remorseful. But Ryan was different. The teenager had been arrested three times in the past year: for shoplifting, car break-ins, and finally, for breaking into his family's home while they were away. The evidence was irrefutable. Yet here Ryan stood, smiling as if he were invincible.