Calling the crimes "absolute idiocy," a judge sentenced a Casper teenager to three to eight years in prison Friday for his role in a string of vandalism that victimized nearly 90 people.

The judge also recommended Sean Michael Neal, 18, for the state's boot camp program for young offenders and said the teen's performance in the program would dictate whether his sentence could late be reduced.

"I don't believe Sean Neal has no chance in life," Natrona County District Judge Scott Skavdahl said at Neal's sentencing hearing. "But I do believe in responsibility and accountability."

Skavdahl also ordered Neal to pay $33,000 in restitution to his victims.

Prosecutors describe Neal as the ringleader of a group of four teens who shot out car windows, slashed tires and damaged businesses during a rash of vandalism earlier this year. Police arrested the teens in March and the defendants later admitted to 88 separate acts of vandalism.

"Mindlessness comes to mind," Skavdahl said. "Absolute idiocy. I can't understand why people gain pleasure from victimizing other people."

After pleading guilty to property destruction, Neal fled to Arizona only to be captured and brought back to Wyoming by two bondsman earlier this month.

Before being sentenced, Neal apologized for his crimes and for skipping town before his original sentencing hearing in July. Wearing shackles and an orange jail uniform, he cried softly as he stood next to his attorney, Anna M. Reeves-Olsen.

In arguing for a suspended sentence, Reeves-Olsen focused on Neal's rough childhood, which included being beaten by a relative.

"I believe, despite Sean's upbringing, at his core he is a good person," she said.

Reeves-Olsen disputed the idea that her client was the vandals' ringleader and said he was remorseful for his crimes.

"He wants to pay the victims back and I urge your honor to give him that opportunity," she said.

Assistant District Attorney Dan Itzen asked Skavdahl to impose a prison sentence that would send a message to the community. The prosecutor argued the teens' crimes went far beyond typical vandalism.

"Their conduct is inexcusable and it clearly closed the line," he said.

The Wyoming Department of Corrections will ultimately decide whether Neal should participate in the young offender boot camp program in Newcastle. Inmates who successfully complete the program have the option of asking a judge to lessen their remaining sentence.

Reach crime reporter Joshua Wolfson at (307) 266-0582 or at josh.wolfson@trib.com. Read his blog at tribtown.trib.com/JoshuaWolfson/blog.