Boy pleads guilty in rash of vandalism in Lincoln neighborhood

A 14-year-old boy pleaded guilty Thursday to a vandalism spree in December and January that left several Lincoln neighborhood businesses with broken windows and other damage.

The boy pleaded guilty in Clark County Juvenile Court to burglary, second-degree malicious mischief and third-degree malicious mischief in exchange for fewer charges. He remains in the county’s Juvenile Detention Center. His sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 28, but will likely be delayed to allow pre-sentencing reports to be completed.

He faces 15 to 36 weeks in detention for the burglary and 30 days apiece for the malicious mischief charges.

The charges account specifically for a burglary at Latte Da Coffeehouse and Wine Bar at 205 E. 39th St., and vandalism at Trinity Lutheran Church, 309 W. 39th St., and Prima Bella Salon, 3905 N.W. Washington St. However, there were at least seven other victims and, most likely, more than that, said Deputy Prosecutor Rick Olson.

The teen caused about $3,000 in damage at Latte Da, owner Scott Flury previously told The Columbian.

Flury hosted about 20 neighbors Jan. 10 at his cafe to come up with ways to beef up security and vigilance in the neighborhood. The group has focused on making sure streetlights are replaced and increasing neighborhood watch activities.

It turns out the boy is one of their neighbors. He lives just a few blocks from where the crimes occurred, according to court documents.

Paris Achen: 360-735-4551; http://twitter.com/Col_Courts; http://facebook.com/ColTrends; paris.achen@columbian.com.