AUGUSTA — A 13-year-old boy was brought before a judge in Kennebec County Superior Court on Monday on charges that he tried to set a couch and table on fire Sunday night at his Waterville home.

Michael Greenlaw, with shackles around his ankles and wearing a dark blue sweatshirt and blue jeans, was told he would remain in state custody and not be allowed to return home until the case was resolved.

He was charged with arson and attempted arson in connection with the incident.

Waterville Police Chief Joseph Massey said the police received a call from the boy’s mother about 8:15 p.m. Sunday saying she was concerned about his behavior.

Massey said the boy apparently tried to set fire to a couch and a kitchen table after his mother refused to allow him to see a friend. After an investigation, the boy was arrested. The Waterville Fire Department was not called.

Massey said part of the concern was that the family lived in an apartment building and other tenants might be at risk.

Attorneys told Justice Michaela Murphy on Monday that the boy was held overnight at Mountain View Youth Development Center in Charleston and would be returned there after the brief hearing Monday afternoon.

A juvenile corrections officer told the judge there might be a residential placement for the boy within the next five days.

Murphy asked Greenlaw several questions to ensure he understood what was happening in the courtroom.

The boy responded only with, “Yes, ma’am” and “No, ma’am.”

His mother watched the proceeding from the back of the courtroom.

Attorney Stephen Bourget said Greenlaw would plead “no answer” to the charges, which is the equivalent of a not guilty plea from an adult.

Greenlaw is scheduled for a hearing in Waterville District Court at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 13.

Betty Adams — 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com