The suspect in a residential burglary and a shoplifting incident at Fred Meyer last year pleaded guilty to multiple charges Tuesday, in return for a combined five-year sentence.
Anthony Benjamin Kalk, 31, is only facing two years, however, as three years will be suspended pending completion of three years probation.
Kalk also faces terms that include restitution, writing a letter of apology to his victims, substance abuse assessment and compliance with any recommended treatment, as well as alcohol and drug testing and search terms for his cellphone. He must also debrief law enforcement on the burglary, said Superior Court Judge Philip Pallenberg.
Kalk pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary in connection with a break-in of a home on North Douglas Highway in May 2016 in which he reportedly stole a rifle, handgun and other property; he also admitted an aggravating factor of repeated incidents of similar conduct.
He pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of attempted second-degree theft in the November 2016 shoplifting, in which he allegedly tried to steal $1,835 worth of merchandise from Fred Meyer. An employee reported witnessing Kalk load a plastic tote full of merchandise and try to leave the store without paying, according to charging documents; Kalk said he only took the merchandise to help him survive the winter because he was homeless.
Sentencing was set for July 13 in those two cases, as well as for his involvement in a February 2016 home invasion robbery.
The Juneau Police Department arrested Joshua Lehauli, the alleged ringleader, after detectives tied him to a robbery in the 3200 block of Hospital Drive in which he also allegedly held a man at gunpoint while other men took the man’s personal belongings.
Those men were identified as Kalk, Devin Clements, 24; and Geoffrey M. Alter, 44. All three have taken plea agreements. Lehauli, who is facing charges of kidnapping, first-degree robbery, second-degree assault with a bat, third-degree assault with a gun, coercion, first-degree vehicle theft, third-degree misconduct involving weapons and second-degree theft, is set for trial June 12.
Contact reporter Liz Kellar at 523-2246 or liz.kellar@juneauempire.com.
