Lake Hopatcong Man Threatened Victim Into Sending Thousands Of Dollars Online, Police Say

A Lake Hopatcong man was charged with extortion after threatening to hurt someone if he failed to send him money over the internet, authorities said.

A Lake Hopatcong man was charged with extortion after threatening to hurt a victim if he didn't send him money over the internet, authorities in Sussex County said.
Photo Credit: *Pixabay*

Cecilia Levine

06/01/2020 7:57 p.m.

Jonathan Ortiz, 22, told the victim he'd face serious bodily injury if he didn't send him money through a transfer service, Franklin police said.

As a result, the victim -- who met Ortiz on a social networking application around two years ago -- subsequently sent Ortiz thousands of dollars, police said.

Ortiz was subsequently arrested and charged with theft by extortion. He was released in accordance with the New Jersey Bail Reform Act.

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