Pittsburgh Man Charged in Kidnapping Hoax Extortion Scheme
Kevin Harris, a 37-year-old Pittsburgh man, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for attempting to extort an undercover FBI Task Force Officer as part of a kidnapping hoax. Harris was initially charged by criminal complaint on December 21, 2018.
According to the Indictment, Harris conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute marijuana from September 1, 2017 to September 18, 2018. Harris is also charged with Attempted Hobbs Act Extortion, Hobbs Act Robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and/or a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and/or a drug trafficking crime on September 18, 2018.
The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 17 years in prison up to life, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Kevin Harris, Defendant’s Real full name, faces multiple charges including Attempted Hobbs Act Extortion, Hobbs Act Robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and/or a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and/or a drug trafficking crime.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Crimes Against Persons|Violent Crime|Extortion
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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