EAST VALLEY, AZ — An East Valley teenager who set fire to a barn full of people faced sentencing Monday. The incident occurred in July; The owner of the barn told ABC15 that a group of teenagers started the fire by throwing fireworks.

Two young people were arrested regarding the incident and referred to the juvenile court. There was a lot of emotion on both sides Monday as the Judge sentenced the 16-year-old to one year of intensive probation and suspended detention.

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

On July 3, teenagers from the barn spoke in court, describing a group of boys wearing ski masks and bandannas. The victims said these kids would hang out in groups and set off fireworks while having a movie night. The situation changed within seconds and the barn was completely engulfed in about two minutes, a teenager told the court.

Young people explained that they feared for their lives that night, saying, “It was a fatal experience.”

Finally, two young people were arrestedbut the owner of the barn told ABC15 that only one teenager changed his claim. Jeni Jones spoke ABC15 in the days after losing his barn. Family heirlooms and irreplaceable items were also destroyed inside, Jones said.

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

The family of the 16-year-old, who admitted issuing multiple citations in September, described his decision as “careless”. However, his loved ones insisted that the young man did not want to harm anyone.

On Monday, a Judge sentenced the 16-year-old, whose name we are not naming, to one year of intensive probation. He told the courtroom that this was the maximum amount under the law. The teen was also sentenced to 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 court.

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

John told ABC15 he understands the seriousness of his grandson’s actions and takes responsibility.

The judge also ordered the teenager to complete community service for burn or fire victim reasons. 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 young defendant’s grandfather said he was okay with accountability. The 16-year-old boy’s family emphasized in court that they wanted him to be able to make changes at home.

“I hope everyone that age reforms, because being locked up or put on the workbooks isn’t going to change anything,” Lewis said. “Seeing what this can do and hearing these stories firsthand.”

A video of a different incident in November was sent to ABC15 by LeeAnn Slade, who lives not far from the Jones family. He said that something resembling an explosive had hit his garden in November last year. Gilbert police confirmed that the case number they gave us is still active. We’re told investigators reviewed “more than 1.6 million pieces of digital evidence related to the suspects in these cases.” Authorities said they were investigating whether the two were connected or linked to others.

Police also confirmed to ABC15 that an internal affairs investigation was conducted into the November incident, resulting in “corrective action.” We asked for more information, but Gilbert Police did not respond to our questions. Instead, they told ABC15 to submit a public records request.

After the trial, Jones’ parents were still worried.

“I reached out to the Gilbert Police Department office to request a meeting with the chief, but I still haven’t heard from anyone,” Jones said.

Jon told ABC15 he is demanding action and change from town leadership.

“(The Town of) Gilbert promotes itself as the safest Town in America,” Lewis said. “It’s not going to happen until the Town Manager is removed and the Chief of Police is put on probation or removed. There’s no change that’s going to happen because these kids, from the Gilbert Goons to these kids, they’re going to keep doing this until the leaders stand up and it’s not allowed anymore.” .”

ABC15 has reached out to Gilbert’s full council and City Manager, our team is still awaiting a response.

Gilbert Police sent the following statement to ABC15.

“The Department is continually working to improve our ability to engage with our community and keep our community safe. In August 2024, GPD launched the newly created Youth Community Engagement Officer and numerous additional initiatives, including enhanced back-to-school and fall break patrols and proactive curfew.” “The Gilbert Police Department remains committed to the safety of our community and our youth.”