SCOTT CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Three southeast Missouri teenagers face arson and burglary charges in connection with an April fire that destroyed the Head School, a one-room Scott County schoolhouse that dated to the mid-19th century.

Charged are filed against 17-year-olds Cody Brashear and Zackery Graham of Scott City and 19-year-old Kerrington Moss of Oran.

The fire swept quickly through the wood building, leaving only the foundation and part of the frame standing.

Graham has said he was not involved. An attorney for Moss claims he is innocent.

Brashear allegedly told police the trio threw a lit kerosene lantern inside the building. When the lantern didn't break, the teens allegedly stacked furniture and lit a fire.

The Head School was established in 1858 and closed in the early 1940s.

Information from: Southeast Missourian, http://www.semissourian.com

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