COCHRANE - A man has been charged with extortion after allegedly coercing a coworker into signing a $45,000 loan in 2019.
James Bay OPP officers started investigating the incident in July 2024 after the complainant, who was in the Cochrane detachment area, noticed their credit score had dropped.
In July 2019, police said the accused, who was in a position of authority over the complainant, demanded they co-sign a $45,000 loan. The accused allegedly implied that the complainant's job was at risk if they didn't do it.
"The accused made payments on the loan until the spring of 2024, at which time the complainant noticed a decline in their credit score due to non-payment," reads an OPP news release.
A 46-year-old man from Fredericton, New Brunswick, is charged with extortion.
The accused is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 20.
"Extortion is a serious criminal offense that exploits fear and power imbalances. The OPP encourages anyone who believes they are being coerced into financial or personal decisions under threat, to report it to the police. No one should feel forced into actions against their will," said police.
