Teen robber who returned loot gets probation

A repentant robber who held up a Hinsdale Dunkin' Donuts, but returned one day later to give back the dough and apologize, received a second chance Monday.

Alex M. Holmes, 18, was sentenced to two years' probation after he pleaded guilty to robbery. Holmes also received credit for the 42 days he served in the DuPage County jail.

Authorities agreed to reduce the original charge of aggravated robbery, which carries an up to 15-year prison term, in the plea deal given the remorse Holmes showed in returning to the store. The Hinsdale teen also did not have a violent criminal history.

Prosecutor Thomas O'Connor said Holmes sneaked into the store at 150 E. Ogden Ave. about 3 a.m. April 7 through a back door that was open because of a delivery. Holmes later made off with $167 and some change after displaying a pellet gun to the terrified female clerk, who was not physically injured.

That next morning, also at 3 a.m., Holmes returned to the store with the stolen loot, including the change, and gave the same clerk a handwritten apology letter, O'Connor said.

"He told her he was sorry and felt bad for what he had done," O'Connor said. "He realized he made a mistake and went back to try to do the right thing."

Holmes also asked the clerk for a hug, but she declined. Both encounters were captured by the store's surveillance camera.

Hinsdale officers Tim Lennox and John Parnitzke arrested Holmes later that second day after spotting a teen who matched his description and clothing riding a bike. Authorities said Holmes provided police with a written confession. Police also later located the pellet gun inside the teen's house.

DuPage Circuit Judge George Bakalis, who presided over Monday's plea deal, commended Holmes for his change of heart, but warned him to avoid trouble in his future.