Matthew Bent sentencing set in Michael Brewer burn attack

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- A Dec. 20 sentencing date has been set for the alleged ringleader in a 2009 attack on a South Florida teenager who was soaked with alcohol and set on fire.

A Broward County judge set the date Wednesday after denying a motion for acquittal for 18-year-old Matthew Bent. A jury convicted Bent in June of aggravated battery in the attack on Michael Brewer, who was then 15. Bent was found innocent of the more serious charge of attempted murder.

Bent faces a maximum of 15 years behind bars.

The now 18-year-old Brewer survived the attack after jumping into an apartment complex swimming pool. Two other teenagers involved in the attack pleaded no contest and are serving prison sentences.