Humboldt County Office of the District Attorney release: 

District Attorney Maggie Fleming announced today (July 19, 2016) that Joshua Keyes, 34, of Eureka, pled guilty to one count of attempted robbery, one count of robbery, and admitted a prior strike conviction from 2001 for residential burglary. He was sentenced to 9 years and 4 months in prison. He will be required to serve 85% of the term before release.

The attempted robbery occurred on February 10, 2016. On that date, Joshua Keyes attempted to rob someone near McCullens and Rudy streets in Eureka. Mr. Keyes approached the victim while brandishing a firearm and ordered him to give him money. Mr. Keyes struck the victim in the head with the firearm when the latter did not comply. Mr. Keyes then fled the scene, dropping his cell phone behind him. Detective Harpham of the Eureka Police Department used the contents of that cell phone to determine a suspect in the crime, and the victim subsequently identified Mr. Keyes as the attacker from a photo lineup.

The robbery occurred on February 18, 2016 in McKinleyville. On that date, Mr. Keyes entered another victim’s home and took money, a firearm, a cell phone, and surveillance equipment. The victim was home at the time. Having previously met Mr. Keyes, the victim was able to identify him for law enforcement. The investigation was handled by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department.

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