Wednesday, May 22, 2013

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Israel Keyes Took Part in Barista Abduction, Authorities Believe
Keyes Arraigned Tuesday is U.S. District Court
By KTVA CBS 11 News


Watch the entire 17-minute press conference by APD, the Department of Justice and the FBI by clicking play on the video at left.

ANCHORAGE - Israel Keyes is believed to be involved in the abduction of Samantha Koenig, said Anchorage Police Department (APD) Chief Mark Mew.

Keyes, the only named person of interest in the abduction of the 18-year-old missing barista, pled not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday afternoon in U.S. District Court.

Keyes was appointed attorney Rich Curtner and said little during his arraignment, except that his debt exceeded his assets and that he has no monetary resources.

Keyes was arrested in Texas March 13. His truck was seized two days later at his Anchorage residence during a late night raid. He was transported to Anchorage by the U.S. Marshals Service Monday.

Keyes made his first appearance in Alaska on an access device fraud charge for using a stolen Visa debit card to withdraw more than $2,000 in Alaska, Arizona and Texas between February 29 and March 12. The cardholders name has not been released to the public.

Although he is called a person of interest in the abduction, which took place on February 1 at Common Grounds Espresso stand, nothing directly linking Keyes to Koenig has been released by the FBI, the Department of Justice or APD.

The government asked that he not be released on bail because he is a danger to the public. According to court documents, Keyes was arrested with a gun in his car.  The defense did not object.

Judge John D. Roberts referred to sealed documents saying Keyes is a danger to the community and a flight risk.

Police want to talk to anyone who may have helped Keyes put large construction style toolboxes and racks on the back of his white, 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 pickup, anytime after the abduction.

Police think the boxes are too large and heavy to be put on a truck by one person.

After the arraigment Mew added that they are still hopeful Koenig is alive.