Bent convicted in Michael Brewer burning

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 20 (UPI) -- Matthew Bent Wednesday faced a possible 15 years in prison for his role in the burning of Michael Brewer, the Florida teen who almost died in a 2009 attack.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel said Tuesday's verdict acknowledged Bent played an active role in the attack by ordering or offering to pay Denver Jarvis to pour rubbing alcohol on Brewer. Bent, 17, was not held responsible by the jury for the actions of Jesus Mendez, who ignited the rubbing alcohol during the Oct. 12, 2009, confrontation in Deerfield Beach.

Brewer survived the burns, undergoing seven skin grafts during a two-month stay at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.

Bent's sentencing was scheduled for July 23 in Fort Lauderdale. He could receive up to 15 years in prison, depending on whether the judge treats Bent as a juvenile or adult, the newspaper said.

Jarvis and Mendez pleaded no contest to attempted murder in February.