A shocking case of attempted extortion has come to light in Providence, Rhode Island. Randy Lutz, a 37-year-old former employee of a Providence not-for-profit physicians group, has admitted to attempting to extort $25,000 from his former employer in exchange for the return of digital media devices containing private patient and employee data.
Lutz’s employment with the physicians group was terminated in May 2017. However, instead of moving on, he resorted to extortionate tactics. He made a series of emails, text messages, and telephone calls to executives, board members, and employees of the physicians group, demanding $25,000 in exchange for the return of the devices. The devices contained sensitive information, including private patient and employee data.
FBI agents and task force officers executed a court-authorized search warrant at Lutz’s residence on July 20, 2017. They seized several thumb drives, a laptop computer, and a cell phone, which were later found to contain private patient and employee data belonging to the physicians group. The investigation was a joint effort between the FBI and the Providence Police Department.
Lutz appeared before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith and pled guilty to extortionate interstate communications. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 7, 2019. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly. United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch acknowledges and thanks the Providence Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of attempting to extort money or sensitive information from others. Lutz’s actions have put him in a precarious situation, with a guilty plea and a pending sentence. The physicians group has likely suffered financial and reputational damage as a result of Lutz’s actions.
The facts of the case are as follows:
- Defendant: Randy Lutz
- Crime: Attempted extortion
- City and State: Providence, Rhode Island
- Date: July 20, 2017 (search warrant executed)
- Sentence: Guilty plea, pending sentencing on March 7, 2019
- Dollar amount: $25,000 (attempted extortion)
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Cybercrime|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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