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Attempted Extortion Lands Sheriff’s Office Employee in Hot Water
An employee of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office in New Jersey has been charged with attempting to extort money from a land developer in exchange for information about properties under foreclosure.
Abdush Shahid Ahmad, 51, of Newark, was charged with attempted extortion under color of official right affecting interstate commerce. According to court documents, Ahmad had access to writs of execution on homes to be sold at public auction by the Sheriff’s Office as a result of foreclosure actions.
Ahmad allegedly indicated to a cooperating witness that he had access to the information before it was made public on the Essex County Sheriff’s Office website or announced in local newspapers. He attempted to sell approximately 20 writs of execution to the cooperating witness and received $100 for each, with an additional $4,900 for each property that the witness was able to acquire using the non-public information.
The terms of the arrangement were allegedly recorded in a contract that Ahmad signed and presented to the cooperating witness in person. The count of attempted extortion under color of official right affecting interstate commerce carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI with the investigation leading to today’s charges. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacques S. Pierre of the Special Prosecutions Division.
The allegations and charges in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. Defense counsel is Carol Gillen, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender.
RELATED: Sheriff’s Office Employee Lawson Charged with Bribery Scheme
RELATED: Sheriff’s Office Employee Lawson Accused of Bribery Scheme
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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