Q: I received what i feel is an extortion letter. Can anyone determine if this is so?
Recently a landlord filed a suit against me for unpaid rent. We went to court and the judges finding was that no unpaid rent was proven (i had receipts). I had filed a counterclaim for excessive security deposit (my state allows for a maximum security equivalent to one months periodic rent). The judge found in my favor and awarded me the amount of excess. I filed a garnishment against the landlord. He then sent me a letter in the mail stating that he would have me arrested for theft of services if i did not submit a form to the court stating that he had paid the order and was no longer indebted. According to my understanding, this is PRECISELY the definition of extortion. Factor in the fact that this landlord is also a county government employee (listed as an elected official) and that he has constant contact with law enforcement because of his duties, and it seems like abuse of office or extortion under color of office. Is my reading accurate?
A: You need to actually go see an attorney for a full discussion of the issues. You simply have not given enough facts here for a conclusion, and it does not sound like extortion to me.
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