Prosecutor: Elwood teens not to be charged as adults

ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) - The four teenagers accused of setting a serious fire at the State Plating building in Elwood will not be charged as adults, said Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings.

Our partners at the Herald Bulletin report the 17-, 14- and two 13-year-olds were released to their parents without bail from the Madison County Youth Center on Thursday.

"I don't believe any of them should be in adult court," Cummings said. "I don't think the judge would waive them to be tried as adults and I don't think it's the right place for them."

The ages and criminal histories of the teens, dollar amount involved with the damage and the fact that no one was hurt in the fire were all factors in deciding not to try any of the suspects as adults, Cummings said. He says the four may have an initial hearing as early as next week at Madison County Juvenile Court.

Elwood PIO Jeff Howe says the fire is still being investigated. The fire site was sealed off Tuesday while the fire marshal inspected the area. The area was later declared secured.

However Howe says the future of the site and the building is still unclear.