Suspects Could Face Harsh Sentences Prosecutors Considering Exceptional Sentences For Boys Accused Of Vandalizing Sacajawea

Spokane County prosecutors may seek exceptional sentences for two 13-year-old boys accused of causing more than $100,000 damage to Sacajawea Middle School.

“We’re considering that option,” said Deputy Prosecutor Shane Smith.

The boys were charged Wednesday with first-degree malicious mischief and burglary. They will be arraigned Monday in Juvenile Court.

Police found the two early Sunday morning smashing computers, typewriters, display cases and windows inside the South Hill school.

One of the boys attended the school until being expelled for truancy, officials said. His prior juvenile convictions include car theft and burglary.

His friend was attending an alternative school program sponsored by West Valley School District. He has no convictions, but at the time of the school vandalism was facing trespassing and glue-sniffing charges.

The teen without a record, if convicted of the Sacajawea break-in and vandalism, would normally face a sentence ranging from several days to a month in detention.

The other boy would face 30 to 90 days in detention, probation officers said.

If a judge orders an exceptional sentence, however, the penalty could be as high as a year in detention.

Smith said his office may request such a sentence due to the severity of the damage at Sacajawea and the “strong reaction this incident has caused in the community.”

Last year, prosecutors asked for exceptional sentences for three Spokane teenagers who admitted spray painting gang-type graffiti across more than 50 North Side buildings and garages.

Two of the requests were granted: The 15-year-old boy most responsible for the graffiti spree spent nine months in detention; a 16-year-old boy was sentenced to three months. Both were also ordered to pay restitution to victims.

, DataTimes