The oldest and youngest boys will enroll in the lock-down facility where specially tailored programs await them. They will earn high school credit during their incarcerations.
“This is not a day spa,” said Juvenile Court Judge Kathleen Romans. “You’ll get out of it what you put into it.”
The 16-year-old was sentenced to 20 hours of community service. He was released from his home incarceration.
The 15-year-old and 17-year-old, originally charged with aggravated menacing, aggravated arson and assault, pleaded to a lesser charge of attempted aggravated assault in early May.
The 16-year-old originally charged with obstruction of official business, pleaded to disorderly conduct. According to police, the boy did not cooperate when questioned about the hair-burning incident.
Stephanie McKeehan, the mother of 16-year-old Devin Lewis, who was the victim of the bullying, addressed the 17- and 15-year-olds in court on Friday. She told them both that at first she wanted revenge for their actions, but after months of prayer, she has since forgiven them.
“I want you to stand up for some other kid if he’s being bullied,” she told the 15-year-old.
Devin Lewis said he has followed his mother’s lead and is avoiding bitterness.
“I think they can get the help they need,” he said.
The boys with the most serious charges were accused of assaulting Lewis on Feb. 4 on the bus after school. Lewis said he was listening to music when someone pulled off his hood and a male student held a lighter in front of his face, making him jerk his head back. That’s when another male student lit his hair on fire, according to Lewis and Middletown police reports.
The two juveniles charged with attempted aggravated assault could have been sent to the Ohio Department of Youth Services for six months or until their 21st birthday.
If they don’t finish their rehabilitation program, they may be required to serve time in the ODYS.
The teen charged with disorderly conduct could have been sentenced to 90 days in the Butler County Juvenile Detention Center, where he already has served 60 days.
Staff Writer Lauren Pack contributed to this story.
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