THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, January 23, 1997            TAG: 9701230300
SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY TOM HOLDEN, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                    LENGTH:   61 lines

AFTER PLEADING GUILTY, TEEN-AGER GETS DETENTION IN SCHOOL ARSON ALAN FERRARA WAS DENIED BAIL, EVEN THOUGH HE HAD NO CRIMINAL RECORD.

A 16-year-old boy accused of taking part in an arson that destroyed a classroom trailer last spring pleaded guilty on Wednesday in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and was ordered into detention.

Alan M. Ferrara was held without bail and sent to the Tidewater Detention Home for his part in the May 12 fire that destroyed a classroom at Windsor Oaks Elementary School.

The ruling surprised Ferrara's defense attorney and stunned his family, because many in the court expected that he would be given probation, given Ferrara's lack of a criminal record, admission of guilt, profession of remorse and ongoing success in school.

Ferrara did not light the fire or get the gas that fueled it. He received a glowing recommendation from his probation officer, Kathy McAloose, who testified that he had no history of drug use or behavioral problems and had an excellent relationship with his parents.

``He is a young man who obviously made a bad decision,'' she said. ``He has suffered a lot and I feel that if he could take that night back again, he would.''

Neighbors testified to his character, saying Ferrara had baby-sat for them, done chores, and was an all-around good kid.

Ferrara, through tears, apologized to the court.

``I'm sorry,'' he said. ``I made the biggest mistake of my life. I won't do it again.''

The ruling by Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge Woodrow Lewis - and Ferrara's attorney's decision to appeal - means that the case will move to Circuit Court, which handles juvenile court appeals.

An appeal of the bond ruling was set for Feb. 3. Ferrara will be held at the detention home until his bond hearing.

``For someone who had no criminal background, obviously, I thought the punishment did not fit the crime,'' said Ferrara's attorney, J. Russell Fentress IV. ``We were recommending punishment, 30 days in detention, supervised probation until he is at least 18 years old and that he would pay $25,000 restitution,'' he added. ``I thought that was punishment.''

Once the case returns to Circuit Court, Ferrara will receive a new sentencing hearing.

``Hopefully, then he'll be sent home,'' Fentress said.

Judge Lewis said it was important to send a signal to the community that such behavior, particularly as it relates to buildings as important as schools, cannot be tolerated.

Ferrera pleaded guilty to arson, breaking and entering and conspiracy in a case that had him taking a minor role in the incident. Both attorneys in the case agreed that Ferrara had been asleep at home when he was awakened by friends, encouraged to sneak outside, and, eventually, enter the trailer that would later burn.

Three other youths also have been convicted: Brodie Brown, 17, Robert Laramay, 17, and Brian Bell, 15.

Brown was sentenced on Jan. 10 to detention and could be held until his 21st birthday. He was also ordered to pay a fine of up to $50,000. Laramay was given the same sentence but ordered to pay $25,000. Bell's sentencing hearing, which was scheduled in Circuit Court for Wednesday, was continued until Jan. 29.

KEYWORDS: ARSON SENTENCING