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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