Teen sentenced to intensive probation, deferred detention after barn fire

EAST VALLEY, AZ – An East Valley teen who set fire to a barn with people inside faces sentencing Monday. The incident happened in July. The owner of the shed told ABC15 that a group of teenage boys threw fireworks, causing the fire.

Two teenagers were arrested in the case and charged in juvenile court. There were a lot of emotions on both sides on Monday, when a judge sentenced the 16-year-old to a year of intensive probation and deferred detention.

“Yes, it was very traumatizing,” Lexi Jones said.

The teens in that shed spoke in court on July 3, describing a group of boys who showed up wearing ski masks and bandanas. The victims said the boys threw fireworks when their group was hanging out and having a movie night. In court, a teenager said the situation changed within seconds and the entire shed was flooded within about two minutes.

The teens described fearing for their lives that night, saying, “It was a deadly experience.”

Ultimately, two teenagers were arrestedbut the barn owner told ABC15 that only one teen changed his plea. Jeni Jones spoke with ABC15 in the days after she lost her shed. Jones said family heirlooms and irreplaceable items inside were also destroyed.

The courtroom was packed on both sides on Monday. Some supporters of the victim and the defendant had to watch virtually from outside the courtroom.

The family of the 16-year-old, who admitted in September to receiving multiple citations, called his decision “careless.” But loved ones insisted the teen didn’t want to hurt anyone.

On Monday, a judge sentenced the 16-year-old, who we are not naming, to one year of intensive probation. She told the courtroom this is the maximum under the law. The teen also received 120 days of deferred detention and weeks of deferred electronic monitoring.

The teen’s grandfather, identified only by his first name, spoke to ABC15 as he left the courtroom.

“He knew better,” John said. “He knew he shouldn’t have done it.”

John told ABC15 that his grandson understood the seriousness of his actions and took responsibility.

The judge also ordered the teen to complete community service for burns or burn victims. Something requested by one of the victim’s parents, Jon Lewis.

“I want to live in the real world, there is no justice,” Lewis said.

When asked about the sentence, the teenage defendant’s grandfather said he was okay with accountability. The 16-year-old’s family emphasized in court that they wanted him to be able to make changes at home.

“I hope for reform from everyone at that age, because incarceration or making workbooks, that’s not going to change anything,” Lewis said. “It’s seeing what that could have done and hearing those stories firsthand.”

Video of another incident in November was sent to ABC15 by LeeAnn Slade, who lives not far from the Jones family. She said her garden was also hit by what appears to be an explosive device in November last year. Gilbert Police confirmed that the case number they gave us is still active. We’re told investigators are examining “more than 1.6 million pieces of digital evidence linked to the suspects in these cases.” Officials said they are investigating whether the two are connected or related to others.

Police also confirmed to ABC15 that there was an internal investigation regarding the November case, which resulted in “corrective action.” We asked for more information, but Gilbert police would not answer our questions. Instead, they told ABC15 they had to file a public records request.

After court, Jones’ parents left still concerned.

“I contacted the Gilbert Police Department office to request a meeting with the chief, but I still have not heard back from anyone,” Jones said.

Jon told ABC15 he is demanding action and change from the city council.

“The (city of) Gilbert bills itself as the safest city in America,” Lewis said. “It won’t be that way until the city manager is removed and until the police chief is put on probation or removed. There will be no change; because these children, from the Gilbert Goons to these children, will continue to do this until the leaders stand up and make it no longer permissible.”

ABC15 has reached out to all of Gilbert’s council and the city manager. Our team is still waiting for a response.

Gilbert police sent ABC15 the following statement.

“The department continually seeks to improve our ability to engage with our community and keep it safe. In August 2024, GPD launched its newly created Youth Community Engagement Officer and numerous additional initiatives, including enhanced back-to-school and fall break patrols and proactive curfew enforcement Gilbert PD remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety of our community and our youth.”