Cell phone photo foils man in Pizza Hut plot

[August 20, 2008]  ELKO, Nev. (AP) -- A man accused of trying to extort $500 from a Pizza Hut in Elko was foiled by his own cell phone camera. Police said a former employee of the restaurant allegedly called the manager on Friday and told him he had five Pizza Hut signs that are used on the roofs of vehicles and wouldn't return them unless he was paid $500.

Police said the manager wanted proof that Long had the signs. So the 23-year-old man sent him a cell phone picture that proved to be his undoing.

Officers were able to zoom in on license plate numbers of two vehicles in the background that are registered to the man.

He's been charged with extortion, possession of stolen property and grand larceny. Bail is set at $15,000.

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Information from: Elko Daily Free Press

[Associated Press]

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