U.S. Bank robber pleads guilty, gets 8 years in prison

Benaiah Stephen Tabbytite pled guilty today to two robberies.  On both April 23, 2015 at the U.S. Bank in Eureka and on April 28, 2015 at Coast Central Credit Union in Bayshore Mall, Mr. Tabbytite threatened to kill bank employees if he did not receive money.  Mr. Tabbytite also pled guilty to attempting to escape on May 2, 2015 while being held in custody at St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment of self-inflicted injuries.  Finally, Mr. Tabbytite admitted to a prior conviction for robbery in the year 2000.  
After accepting the pleas, Judge Timothy P. Cissna sentenced Mr. Tabbytite to serve 8 years at the California Department of Corrections for commission of the two robberies and 6 years for the attempted escape.  The sentences will be served concurrently.
District Attorney Maggie Fleming said “The excellent investigation of these robberies by the Eureka Police Department allowed a swift resolution that takes a dangerous person off our streets.”