Charles James Reighard, a 67-year-old man from Burghill, Ohio, has been charged with making threats and extortion. A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Reighard, who allegedly sent threatening communications to a victim with the intent to extort money.
Count 1 of the indictment charges that from on or about September 4, 2014, to on or about October 17, 2014, Reighard sent communications to his victim with the intent to extort money from him and which contained a threat to injure him and/or his family. These communications were allegedly mailed with the sole purpose of intimidating the victim into paying Reighard.
Count 2 of the indictment charges that on or about October 16, 2014, Reighard engaged in conduct with the intent to convey false or misleading information that the offices at 6630 Seville Drive, in Canfield, Ohio, would be damaged or destroyed by an explosive. This threat was allegedly made to further Reighard’s extortion scheme.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Seabury Gould, following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations of Youngstown, and the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department. The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combating violent crime and extortion in Ohio.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. As the case against Charles Reighard moves forward, the government will be required to present evidence to support the charges and prove Reighard’s guilt.
The charges against Charles Reighard are a reminder of the seriousness of making threats and extortion. These crimes can have a significant impact on victims and can cause fear and intimidation. The prosecution of this case sends a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated and that those who engage in them will be held accountable.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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