Boy’s 57th Crime Is a Charm: He’s Sent to Learn Manners

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. —  A 12-year-old who was charged with his 57th crime a week ago has been booked into a charm school.

The boy is spending the week at the ABI Charm and Dance Academy in Miramar, learning table manners and polite conversation courtesy of owner Anthony Baker, who heard about his troubles.

Last week, sheriff’s deputies said they arrested the boy and some friends trying to break into a convenience store.

He is now dogged by TV cameras and is fielding talk-show offers. Some news organizations have dubbed him “Crime Boy” or “Boy Bandit.” On Tuesday, a church that promised to reform and redeem the troubled child held a suburban dinner party in his honor and started a fund for him at a bank.

Until now, the boy’s life has been far less upbeat. His mother is in prison for murder, and he doesn’t know where his father is.