CANTON — Two Massena teens could have their felony criminal mischief charges reduced to misdemeanors by doing well on interim probation.

Michael J. Smith, 18, of 78 Beach St., and Anthony W. Babcock, 17, of 12 Woodlawn Ave., each pleaded guilty Monday in St. Lawrence County Court to felony third-degree criminal mischief.

Both were accused of being part of a group that went on a spray-painting spree July 28 that targeted St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and other property in the village of Massena.

A third co-defendant, Sam J. Lanphear, 18, of 1875 Route 420, Massena, pleaded guilty Sept. 29 to felony third-degree criminal mischief.

The trio's plea agreement calls for each to be placed on interim probation for one year when they are sentenced. Mr. Lanphear will be sentenced Nov. 10, Mr. Smith on Dec. 1 and Mr. Babcock on Dec. 8.

If probation is completed successfully, their charges will be reduced to fourth-degree criminal mischief, a misdemeanor, and they each could be granted youthful-offender status. All three will also have to pay restitution and do community service.

County Court Judge Jerome J. Richards warned Mr. Babcock and Mr. Smith that he doesn't have to abide by the plea agreement, should either one test positive for drug use again.

Both told the judge they would test negative when tested, but both drug tests came back positive for marijuana.

"It is not a good thing to be lying to me," Judge Richards said to Mr. Smith after his drug test.