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Teen Given Bond In Michael Brewer Case

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - Matthew Bent, 16, was given a bail of $250,000 for his part in the burning of Michael Brewer in October 2009.

Bent's lawyer, Gordon Weeks, said the amount of the bond is essentially the same as giving Bent no bond because there is no way the family can post bond.

Weeks had originally asked the judge to set the bail at $20,000. Prosecutors countered saying the bond should be $250,000 due to the nature of the crime. Bent's lawyer is still determining whether the amount constitutes excessive bail for Bent.

Bent and two other teens, 16-year-old Denver Jarvis and 17-year-old Jesus Mendez, face charges of attempted murder for their role in the attack on Brewer.

The attack occurred in October 2009 when the then 15-year old Brewer was doused with rubbing alcohol and set on fire. The trio reportedly set Brewer on fire after an argument over a video game and a stolen bike.

He survived by jumping into a nearby swimming pool. He suffered burns over 60-percent of his body. He spent months rehabilitating at Jackson memorial Hospital Burn Center in Miami.

Bent, Mendez and Jarvis remain in jail charged as adults. Each faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

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