Teens get probation in co-op fire

PALMER -- Two juveniles accused of deliberately setting fire to the historic Matanuska Valley Farmer's Cooperating Association building in Palmer have been placed on one-year probation for an amended charge of failure to control a fire. Meanwhile, a third juvenile charged in the case has yet to be sentenced.

The case against Matthew Brass was held in abeyance Dec. 16, according to the state of Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice. Juvenile Probation Supervisor Sean Owens said that designation is similar to a suspended imposition of sentence in adult court, and carries an admission of guilt.

If Brass successfully completes his probationary period, Owens said, the case will be closed and dismissed. If probation is not successful, the abeyance will be revoked.

Brass was 14 at the time of the fire, which caused damages in excess of $1 million.

In July the charge against Holly Rudder, 14, was held in abeyance for failure to control a fire. She faces the same one-year probationary period as Brass.

Nathanael Row, 13, the only juvenile originally named and accused of first-degree arson, was adjudicated Sept. 19 on the lesser charge of failure to control a fire. Owens said Row is awaiting final resolution of his case and will be sentenced in the future. He could face up to two years in an institution or up to two years on probation, or a lesser combination.

Brass and Rudder must follow guidelines for behavior during probation, Owens said, including such things as obeying curfew and attending school. They must notify juvenile authorities about changes in school or jobs, may not possess weapons, and must submit to random urine analysis.

"In a nutshell, it's don't break any laws," Owens said.

Alaska law allows the names of juveniles charged with arson and other felonies to be released. They may be named for crimes that endanger other people and in cases where violent crimes are committed.

First-degree arson is a reportable offense under juvenile standards because it endangers another person, including firefighters.

Firefighters from several stations worked for more than 24 hours to put out the co-op blaze. Smoke was reported coming out of the building's windows at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 4. The youths were accused of setting more than one fire inside the complex.