The trial of the alleged ringleader in a brutal home invasion robbery is set to start today in Juneau Superior Court.
Joshua V. Lehauli, 30, faces 18 counts in connection with a February 2016 assault of a man with a metal baseball bat that left the victim’s eyes nearly swollen shut, according to a police complaint.
The charges include two counts of kidnapping, which are unclassified felonies punishable up to 99 years in prison; three counts of first-degree robbery, class A felonies punishable up to 20 years in prison; six counts of second-degree assault with a bat, class B felonies punishable up to 10 years in prison; two counts of third-degree assault with a gun, one count of coercion, first-degree vehicle theft, third-degree misconduct involving weapons and second-degree theft, all of which are class C felonies punishable up to five years in prison.
The Juneau Police Department arrested Lehauli after detectives tied him to a robbery in the 3200 block of Hospital Drive in which he also allegedly held the victim at gunpoint while Devin Clements, Geoffrey M. Alter, and Anthony B. Kalk reportedly took his personal belongings.
JPD learned about the attack when the alleged victim sought medical attention the next day at Bartlett Regional Hospital.
Officers investigating the scene found the door open, with blood on the floor and walls, and overturned furniture consistent with (the victim’s) statements, JPD Sgt. Dominic Branson wrote in the police complaint. A metal baseball bat with blood on it was also found.
Clements and Kalk previously took plea agreements in the robbery. Alter pleaded guilty to fourth-degree assault and third-degree criminal mischief, and was set to be sentenced on April 3; a $5,000 warrant was issued after he failed to appear, however.
Contact reporter Liz Kellar at 523-2246 or liz.kellar@junauempire.com.
