AUBURN - A 16-year Auburn resident accused of stealing and burning a car pleaded not guilty in Cayuga County Court Tuesday to arson, two counts of grand larceny and criminal mischief, all felonies.

Ryan Cody, of 10 Second Ave., and his co-defendant, Charles James Allen, 21, are accused of stealing a 1998 Toyota Corolla from the parking lot at Schwartz Towers in Auburn and burning it at the quarry on North Street on March 22.

Ryan's attorney, Joe Sapio, said his client is just a kid who was victimized by Allen, and that he would like to get the arson charge dropped.

"I think it's hopeful a plea can be worked out," Sapio said. "With the arson, I think there may be some culpability but not at the level that's listed in this indictment."

Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann said Ryan also has pending charges in Auburn City Court for burglary, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest and petit larceny.

Ryan's Bail was set at $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond.

Allen, whose case is still pending, pleaded guilty in 2006 to third-degree felony arson for using a Molotov cocktail to firebomb and unmarked Auburn Police Department squad car.