SKOWHEGAN (AP) – Two 15-year-old boys will be sentenced next month after pleading guilty to charges of setting off two homemade acid bombs in a Skowhegan Wal-Mart crowded with shoppers last month.

Emmanual Hurtado and Tyler Tatakis of Skowhegan pleaded guilty Monday to criminal use of explosives, reckless conduct, criminal mischief and eight counts of assault.

District Court Judge Charles LaVerdiere warned the boys that they could be sent to the Mountain View juvenile facility until they are 21. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 8.

District Attorney Evert Fowle said his office will probably ask for some period of incarceration, but he added that the intent of the juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate children so they don’t commit crimes as adults.

“We hope the boys get a loud and clear message and this will be the last we see of them in the criminal justice system,” Fowle said.

The Wal-Mart was filled with hundreds of holiday shoppers when the bombs detonated, one in the toy section and the other in the pet area. At least eight people were treated for irritation to their eyes and throats or ringing in their ears.