By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

BATAVIA - Benjamin Runyan had an expensive temper tantrum back in March, one that the 18-year-old Batavia man will literally be paying off for the next five years.

Runyan, who admitted to breaking into the small Church of God on Straight Street in Batavia Township and causing some of the worst vandalism in Clermont County in a decade, was sentenced Wednesday to serve two months in jail.

Common Pleas Judge Jerry McBride also ordered the teen to pay restitution for the damage he caused. As of Wednesday, the amount was $37,904, but prosecutors said it could reach $50,000.

An exact figure will be determined at a hearing in 90 days, McBride said.

The church, led by the Rev. Max Burris and his wife, Susan, was broken into some time from March 9 to 11. Runyan appeared to have gone on a rampage. He ransacked the sanctuary, overturned the pulpit, destroyed figurines, musical equipment and carpet.

He also turned on hot water taps and left them running, turned up the temperature on the boiler, broke the thermostat, squirted ketchup across walls and cabinets and broke windows.

For the next five years, Runyan will have to turn over more than half of what he earns to an insurance company. Already employed part time, the teen will have to get a second job. If he is unable to find another job or loses a job, he'll have to do community service in the meantime, the judge said.

Runyan, released on $40,000 bond shortly after his arrest so he could finish his senior year at Batavia High School, had no criminal record. He told authorities that he broke into the tiny Pentecostal church because his girlfriend told him she'd "almost" been raped.

Prosecutors called the excuse "senseless" and "ridiculous."

Judge McBride agreed.

The teen, who stands slightly taller than 5 feet, spoke softly Wednesday as he uttered a profuse apology for his actions.

"I know I did a very bad thing. ... I really want to pay them back - pay every penny I can. ... I feel very bad for what I did," Runyan said. .

Runyan has agreed to undergo substance abuse treatment and continue therapy.

Burris said Wednesday that he saw Runyan outside court before the sentencing.

"I went up to him and asked him, 'Why?' He wouldn't look at me," Burris said. "I'm pleased with the sentence."

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com