Juror misconduct hearing in Fla. teen burning case

• Fla. teen set afire by middle school classmates in 2009
• If Bent's conviction stands, he faces up to 15 years in prison
• Bent could get a new trial if a judge decides there was juror misconduct

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Allegations of juror misconduct and a potential new trial are taking center stage in the case of a Florida teenager drenched in alcohol and set afire by middle school classmates.

Jurors were scheduled to be interviewed Friday on whether racial animosity and other misconduct occurred during deliberations in the trial of alleged ringleader Matthew Bent. Bent could get a new trial if a judge decides there was sufficient misconduct.

The 18-year-old Bent was convicted in June of aggravated battery for the 2009 attack on Michael Brewer, who was 15 at the time. Brewer survived by jumping into an apartment complex swimming pool.

Bent faces a maximum 15-year prison sentence if his conviction stands. Two other teenagers are serving prison terms after pleading no contest to attempted murder charges.