Sentence in Fla. teen burning off indefinitely

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Sentencing is off indefinitely for the alleged ringleader in a horrific 2009 attack in which a Florida teenager was doused with alcohol and set ablaze by middle school classmates.

A new judge took over the case of 17-year-old Matthew Bent on Tuesday. The original judge stepped aside after Bent's attorneys claimed he improperly communicated with a juror who claimed misconduct during deliberations.

Broward Circuit Judge Matthew Destry set a status hearing for Aug. 17. Bent's sentencing will likely be delayed for many more weeks. Bent is also seeking a new trial.

Bent faces up to 15 years in prison for an aggravated battery conviction in the attack on Michael Brewer, who was severely burned but survived by jumping into a swimming pool. Two other teens were convicted in the attack.