Teenager connected to Gilbert barn arson ordered to probation, community service

GILBERT, AZ (AZ Family) — A teenager convicted of intentionally setting a barn on fire in Gilbert has learned his punishment for the crime.

On Monday, court officials confirmed that one of the unnamed teenagers involved was released to his parents and placed on a year of probation.

The teenager was sentenced to 120 days of deferred detention and 20 weeks of deferred ankle monitoring.

If the teenager fails his probation or community service requirements, he will be ordered to serve that sentence.

Officials are not releasing the teenager’s name because he was sentenced in juvenile court.

The teenager was also ordered to do 40 hours of community service for fire or burn-related causes and must complete two education packages.

The barn fire occurred on July 3 nearby Higley and Guadalupe Roads. Police later made an arrest two teenagers in connection with that fire.

Jeni Jones, the owner, said her teenage daughter was hanging out with friends in the loft inside the barn when a separate group of teenage boys showed up uninvited.

She said the boys set off a firework in the barn-style garage. Surveillance video from inside the barn shows a flash of lightning and the teenagers inside run away.

Later, families reported believing a group of teenagers also set off loud fireworks around their neighborhoods in Gilbert.

A restitution hearing has been set for January 24, 2025.

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