Md. Man Charged With Extortion Of Former Employer
FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- A Frederick man faces extortion, theft and burglary charges for allegedly stealing $2,200 from his former employer and then demanding $5,000 more.
Police said Tuesday Patrick Plunkard, 54, threatened to destroy the Cozy Inn in Thurmont unless owner Gerald Freeze paid up.
Court documents state that Plunkard has confessed to the crimes. Police say Plunkard worked the reception desk at the Cozy Inn from August to September.
They say he burglarized a safe there in November. Police say they caught Plunkard on Monday at a money drop location in Frederick's Baker Park.
Plunkard is being held on $60,000 bond. His lawyer in a previous theft case didn't immediately return a call from The Associated Press.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
