eyespy3017
03-01-02, 07:53AM
Who would a knew?, nice kid he was. unbelievable, he didn't try this one on me, because he knows I do not have any money!! I woulda laughed!!
Men charged in fake poisioning, extortion scheme
By Bob Stiles
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, March 1, 2002
Two Westmoreland County men are accused of trying to extort $2.5 million from a Penn Township businessman in exchange for an antidote to a poison that they said had been mailed to him.
Michael J. Granata, 22, of 405 Main St., Irwin, and DeWayne Shank, 21, of 705 Seventh St., Trafford, are to appear Tuesday for preliminary hearings before District Justice Frank DelBene of Penn Township. Each is charged with attempted extortion, terroristic threats, conspiracy, harassment by communication, and harassment and stalking.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by township police, John Burns of the Burns Chemical plant at the Westmoreland County Industrial Park on Venture Court received a suspicious package Feb. 19.
"At that time, Burns received a tape-recorded message threatening his life, that he had been infected with a poison and that the professional hit man needed $2.5 million to give Burns the antidote to save his life," the affidavit states. "Also, the tape said that the professional hit man would call him back to give him more instructions."
On Feb. 20, police went to Burns Chemical to be there when Burns was to receive another call. But that call wasn't made.
The next day, Burns was contacted by cellular telephone. He was told when and where to go to drop off the money, according to the affidavit.
"On that date, numerous attempts to meet the actors were made by Burns while being instructed (by police)," the affidavit states. "The actors contacted Burns and threatened him to get rid of the police and go to the next location. After numerous attempts...the actors were not located."
Police indicated that they linked Granata and Shank to the alleged crimes through cell phone records.
Detective Sgt. Anthony Pecora, who is in charge of the investigation, could not be reached for comment yesterday. Attempts to contact Burns also failed.
Police indicated other arrests are forthcoming.
Both Granata and Shank were lodged in the Westmoreland County Prison, each in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Men charged in fake poisioning, extortion scheme
By Bob Stiles
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, March 1, 2002
Two Westmoreland County men are accused of trying to extort $2.5 million from a Penn Township businessman in exchange for an antidote to a poison that they said had been mailed to him.
Michael J. Granata, 22, of 405 Main St., Irwin, and DeWayne Shank, 21, of 705 Seventh St., Trafford, are to appear Tuesday for preliminary hearings before District Justice Frank DelBene of Penn Township. Each is charged with attempted extortion, terroristic threats, conspiracy, harassment by communication, and harassment and stalking.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by township police, John Burns of the Burns Chemical plant at the Westmoreland County Industrial Park on Venture Court received a suspicious package Feb. 19.
"At that time, Burns received a tape-recorded message threatening his life, that he had been infected with a poison and that the professional hit man needed $2.5 million to give Burns the antidote to save his life," the affidavit states. "Also, the tape said that the professional hit man would call him back to give him more instructions."
On Feb. 20, police went to Burns Chemical to be there when Burns was to receive another call. But that call wasn't made.
The next day, Burns was contacted by cellular telephone. He was told when and where to go to drop off the money, according to the affidavit.
"On that date, numerous attempts to meet the actors were made by Burns while being instructed (by police)," the affidavit states. "The actors contacted Burns and threatened him to get rid of the police and go to the next location. After numerous attempts...the actors were not located."
Police indicated that they linked Granata and Shank to the alleged crimes through cell phone records.
Detective Sgt. Anthony Pecora, who is in charge of the investigation, could not be reached for comment yesterday. Attempts to contact Burns also failed.
Police indicated other arrests are forthcoming.
Both Granata and Shank were lodged in the Westmoreland County Prison, each in lieu of $50,000 bail.