Teen gets 4-year sentence in shooting plot
From Chris Strathmann
CNN
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Authorities say these weapons were seized when the teens were arrested.
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(CNN) -- A New Jersey teenager suspected of plotting a shooting rampage with two other teens was sentenced to four years in prison Friday.
Christopher Olson, 15, of Oaklyn, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in August to possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose as part of a deal with prosecutors to drop carjacking and conspiracy charges, which could have led to a 40-year prison sentence.
Although charged as an adult in the case, Superior Court Judge Samuel D. Natal recommended that Olson serve his sentence at a juvenile facility. He won't be eligible for parole for three years.
Prosecutors had asked for a seven-year sentence for Olson as part of the plea but said they were satisfied with the judge's sentence.
Olson was arrested July 6 along with Cody Jackson, 15, and Matthew Lovett, 18. Police said they attempted a carjacking and were armed with rifles, shotguns and knives.
Camden County, New Jersey, prosecutors said the trio planned to hijack a vehicle, execute three classmates and go off on a shooting spree targeting random people in Oaklyn, a Philadelphia suburb.
Prosecutors said Olson was not involved in the original planning of the shooting plot and was the least culpable of the group.
Jackson, who also was charged as an adult, has pleaded guilty to attempted carjacking and will be sentenced in December.
Lovett, the accused ringleader, faces conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault, carjacking and weapons charges. Prosecutors said his case will go to a grand jury soon.
