Teen pleads guilty to arson at school

ST. LOUIS -- A teen-ager admitted in court Monday that he set fire to an area high school's auditorium nearly two years ago, causing more than $1 million damage.

Juan Cannon, 19, of the St. Louis suburb of University City, pleaded guilty in St. Louis Circuit Court to a first-degree arson count related to the Jan. 5, 2000, fire at University City High School.

He faces up to 15 years behind bars when sentenced next month; prosecutors seek a prison term of at least six years.

Cannon, who was indicted last April, was accused of purposely sparking the fire on the stage and props area of the auditorium, which at the time was newly renovated.

The school was evacuated, and there were no injuries.