A 16-year-old Middletown boy has been sentenced for setting a fire that badly damaged a church.
The boy was ordered to serve 6 months on two arson charges, but the judge suspended the sentence and sent him to a juvenile treatment program.
The teen apologized for his actions Tuesday in Butler County Juvenile Court.
"I want to apologize for what I did. I know it was wrong. I shouldn't have done it. I'm extremely sorry for my actions, but I want to go to rehab and better myself so I can get my life together," he said.
He broke into Tytus Avenue First Church of God on Tytus Ave. in January, stole $1,000 and started a fire, according to court documents.
Damage was estimated at $450,000, and a 40-year-old box turtle in the church offices died in the fire.
The teen's grandmother said her she has hope for for the teen's future.