PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -
The second 13-year-old boy arrested in connection with a Tualatin church fire made a plea deal Monday.
A massive fire broke out at the Living Savior Lutheran Church in Tualatin on March 19, nearly gutting the building and closing down the preschool there.
Police arrested two 13-year-old boys on suspicion of arson, but both of them have made plea deals and will avoid going to trial.
With his parents in the courtroom Monday, the 13-year-old boy changed his plea, saying that he is guilty of burglary, but prosecutors have dropped the arson charge against him.
He told police that he knew they were going to break into the church to steal money, but he had no intention of starting a fire. He claimed the first he knew about it was when he saw smoke.
In the end, the judge sentenced the boy to a maximum of five years' probation with several conditions; he is not allowed to have any weapons, firearms or supplies that could start a fire.
Church member Catherine Dexter made a statement to the judge saying the congregation has forgiven the boys and they hope they have productive lives.
"Our hope is that the boys grow up, that they'll take this seriously and they'll become mature, happy, healthy young men," said Dexter. "And through this there can be some redemption for them."
The other boy who pleaded guilty to arson last month is facing a much tougher penalty.
He is now serving time with the Oregon Youth Authority and he could remain in their custody until he's 25 years old.
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