AUBURN A 20-year-old Auburn woman faces up to six months in jail after admitting Thursday to taking part in an attempted home-invasion robbery on Veteran's Day in Owasco.

Nancy DeGroff of Fleming/Scipio Road pleaded guilty to third-degree attempted robbery and third-degree burglary. DeGroff was one of three people storming a home on Oakridge Road in Owasco Nov. 11. Two other suspects, Travis M. Swift, 20, of 3 Adams St., Auburn, and Collena M. Johnson, 19, of 2 Seminary St., Auburn, will appear in court at later dates.

DeGroff admitted to County Judge Peter Corning that when a teenage boy answered her knock on the door, she asked to use the telephone, claiming her vehicle had broken down.

Once she was inside, Swift allegedly stormed through the into the home, waving what appeared to be a handgun.

While Swift held the teen-ager and his mother at gunpoint, Johnson allegedly tried to steal cash from the residence.

Another teenage male visiting the residence fled to a neighbor's home where he summoned help. The invaders fled before deputies arrived.

The suspects were arrested the following day in Auburn following an investigation by the Cayuga County Sheriff's Department, the state police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Auburn Police Department.

The weapon used was recovered and determined to be an exact replica of a semi-automatic pistol.

I consider this a very serious offense, Corning told DeGroff. I do not consider this a boy-will-be boy or girl-will-be-girls prank.

DeGroff will be sentenced Feb. 13. Prosecutor Jon Budelmann recommended a sentence of six months in the county jail.

Corning said he wants a hearing with DeGroff's parents because he considers her a loose cannon.

Neither of DeGroff's parent was in the courtroom Thursday. She told the judge she has no job and is not in school.

To reach Staff Writer Joey West, call 253-5311, Ext. 239.