OXFORD – Two of the three Oxford teens charged with cemetery desecration and burglary pleaded guilty in Village of Oxford Court Monday.

The youngest of the three youths, ages 16 and 17, were released into the custody of their parents after pleading guilty to fourth degree criminal mischief, a misdemeanor, said First Assistant District Attorney Stephen M. Dunshee.

Dunshee said the boys will be placed on probation, they’ll likely be required to perform community service and make an undetermined attempt at restitution for their crimes.

Before their release Monday, the youths had been incarcerated at the Chenango County Correctional Facility since being arrested Oct. 20.

Originally all three suspects were charged with four felonies and four misdemeanors after allegedly destroying more 30 gravestones and breaking into the Oxford Memorial Library at around 1 a.m. Oct. 16.

Sheriff’s investigator Richard Cobb estimated the damage done to St. Joseph’s Cemetery be well over $30,000.

Oxford Police Chief Richard Nolan said the youths brought a shovel and spade to the cemetery and attempted to dig up a grave. Unsuccessful, Nolan said the teens decided to knock over the headstones of dozens of graves in the oldest part of the cemetery. Following that, investigators claim the youths headed to the library, where they broke in and stole a donation box full of change.

Nolan also said all three defendants had signed written confessions and apologized to police at the time of their arrest.