The Associated Press

FINDLAY, Ohio - A teenager who admitted sending a bomb threat to his school via a computer has been ordered to pay $21,816 to Findlay High School.

Hancock County Juvenile Judge Allan Davis ordered a 17-year-old to make up the wages and salaries of school employees who were sent home early after the threat was found on a computer printer Oct. 3.

The teen pleaded guilty to inducing panic. Judge Davis suspended the teen's driving privileges until he has paid the restitution and ordered him to at least six months with the Ohio Department of Youth Services.

The boy's mother said she was stunned by the amount of restitution.

"I don't see how he's ever going to come up with $21,000, especially if he can't drive to go to work," she said.

Aaron Ried, a public defender who served as the youth's attorney, said it was clear Judge Davis wanted to send a message.

"I think that he was probably trying to let the students know that this kind of thing would not be tolerated," Mr. Ried said. "I was a little surprised by the amount."

The teen's mother said her son is a special-education student and did not understand the possible consequences of his action. "He did not mean any harm," she said.