Appearing before the court in a sleeveless t-shirt, the 16-year-old boy accused of molesting two children, one of the crimes happening at the county fair, has been placed into state custody while he awaits word if prosecutors will seek to try him as an adult where he would be looking at a veritable life sentence.

The teen, whose name has not been revealed due to his status as a juvenile, is charged with molesting two children, ages four and five, on separate occasions at ATV events at the Alexandria fairgrounds. One of the alleged incidents happened about a month before the fair and the other during the fair. It has not been revealed how the teen committed the crimes.

During his brief appearance before the court last week, the youth was placed in strict state custody pending the results of a mental evaluation he is undergoing. His placement came not as result of his present charges but as result of charges against him in Putnam County.

“If he isn’t placed into state custody by tomorrow (Thursday of last week) then I want to know because I will do it,” said Juvenile Court Judge Bratten Cook, not revealing the charges that the youth faces in Putnam County or if those charges are also sexually related.

Cook’s insistence the boy be held in secure detention came after a relative of one of his two alleged victims wondered what the court planned to do with the teen.

“I want to make sure he will be held responsible for what he’s done,” the woman called out from the court gallery, worried the youth may be placed in an unsecure state home pending the results of his mental evaluation.

Cook confirmed the defendant will be held in a high security facility, prompting an ominous comment from the relative.

“That’s probably good for his sake,” she said, suggesting the teen’s safety could be in jeopardy if he were allowed back out on the street.

“You will be notified of what happens,” Cook assured her, promising to keep the families updated on events of the case.

“Thank God,” the woman replied.

The teen’s next hearing has been set for Oct. 25 at which time the results of his mental evaluation will be revealed. It is also expected the district attorney’s office will announce if it intends to pursue a transfer hearing in an attempt to try the 16-year-old as an adult. Should the teen stay as a juvenile the state can only hold him until his 19th birthday. However, if he is transferred to adult court he could face up to 50 years on the pair of child rape charges.