Man accused of demanding $30 to return lost phone

[May 27, 2009]  IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) -- A 38-year-old man has been charged with extortion for allegedly demanding that a stranger pay him $30 in exchange for their lost cell phone.

Authorities said the unidentified victim flagged down an Iowa City police officer Sunday on their way to meet the man to retrieve the phone. The victim told police they'd had 10 to 12 conversations with the suspect about returning the phone, but that he was demanding payment.

The man was charged Monday with extortion, a Class D felony. He could face up to five years in jail and a $7,500 fine.

The man was being held at the Johnson County Jail in lieu of a $5,000 cash bond.

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Information from: The Gazette, http://www.gazetteonline.com/

[Associated Press]

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