I am writing about the article, “Jay boy accused of arson.” (Sept. 9). If this boy is just under the age to be a juvenile, he should have known better than to do such an unintelligent stunt.

I believe his punishment is not what it should be. The crimes he allegedly committed are not to be taken lightly. Trespassing on property and entering vacant buildings, garages and homes is wrong. Even then the boy seemed to go further in his foolishness by starting a fire in one of the vacant premises. To top it off, the boy has also been accused of taking some items from the vacant premises.

All of these crimes are serious. Punishment should not just be house arrest. Being kept in a house all day and being able to go to school isn’t punishment at all. It’s just a normal day for most kids. If you’re at home, you have activities such as the computer and video games. At school, you can see friends and get out and enjoy some time with other people. Who’s to say that he can’t do it again?

I say the punishment should be given just like it would be given to any other person that committed those crimes. By putting this boy in house arrest, we’re just showing that although what he allegedly did bad things, he won’t get in too much trouble for all the problems he caused.

Chris Jones