‘Remorseful Robber’ Pleads Guilty, Faces Up to 89 Years

A man police once dubbed the “remorseful robber” for returning cash and valuables to some victims pleaded guilty Wednesday to committing dozens of robberies in the San Fernando Valley.

A hearing is scheduled for Dec. 4 in San Fernando Superior Court to determine sentencing for Ronald Sykes, 31, of Eagle Rock on 38 counts of robbery and one of kidnaping.

Sykes, who has a prior robbery conviction, faces a maximum prison sentence of 89 years.

Jury selection had not been completed Wednesday when Sykes changed his plea to guilty from not guilty by reason of insanity.

His attorney, Deputy Public Defender Charles Klum, said Sykes acted in the hope he will receive a lesser prison term and treatment for drug addiction. Sykes’ previous plea was based on insanity caused by the drug habit, Klum said.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Carole Anne Chizever said she was pleased that Sykes admitted the crimes. But she added that 22 of 26 victims had identified Sykes in a police lineup, giving her confidence he would have been convicted if the case had gone to trial.

According to police, Sykes would approach his targets on foot as they left their homes, got out of cars or worked in their yards. He would reveal a shotgun wrapped in a shirt or jacket and demand money or jewelry.

Police gave him his nickname after some of the victims told police that Sykes returned money, a bank automatic teller machine card and a ring after they pleaded with him.

Sykes was arrested without incident July 23, 1991, in Mission Hills after a special police unit assigned to pursue armed criminals spotted his pickup truck and followed him to a convenience store.