ALBANY – Dean Holmes, 22, Douglas Holmes, 21, and Brian Bessette, 24, all of Watervliet, NY, were sentenced for one count of attempted burglary in the third degree.

Early on July 2nd, 2009, the three men drove into Albany looking for a drug dealer to rob. After locating a house, they attempted to break into an occupied apartment by prying the door open.  Their intention was to rob the occupants of drug proceeds on the mistaken belief that the occupants were drug dealers who had money. Upon attempting to pry the door, which was damaged, the occupants’ dog barked and the defendants fled. Moments later they were stopped by police for a traffic violation. 

Police attention was piqued because the defendants were stopped in the middle of the street in front of another house, possibly contemplating a break-in there.  The defendants moved on when police came behind them but failed to signal a turn.  During the traffic stop, a radio broadcast alerted police of the attempted crimes.  These defendants had in their truck, in plain view, dark hoodies, bandanas, gloves, and two crowbars. 

Police also discovered a replica Walther PPK starter pistol and two cans of pepper spray.

Per the terms of the plea agreement, each offender was sentenced to 1-3 years in state prison.