WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) – A judge in Wausau set the bail for a man accused of following a former partner, attempting to change her direct deposit information, and pretending to be an attorney in an effort to discredit her at $40,000.
Prosecutors charged 45-year-old Joshua B. Keyes with 17 crimes on February 9, 2023; he now has a Canal Winchester, Ohio address but was previously a Wausau resident. He was brought from Fairfield County, Ohio to the Marathon County Jail on Tuesday to make a formal appearance after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
According to police, Keyes contacted his former partner’s workplace with bogus complaints and emails about her mental health, posted false reviews about her work performance, and attempted to steal her direct deposit information. He also allegedly pretended to be an attorney when he contacted a local TV reporter with false information alleging that his former partner, who works in medicine, violated federal ethics and privacy rules on a regular basis.
Keyes was previously investigated by detectives for using his former girlfriend’s financial information to purchase items on the internet without her knowledge, according to court records.
Keyes, who is accused of stalking, forgery, violating a harassment restraining order, making threats via computer message, disorderly conduct, and bail jumping, was still in jail as of Thursday afternoon. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for March 15.
