David Letterman Extortion
Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 590
David Letterman, John Travolta, Amy Polumbo, and Bill Cosby. What do these three, as well as many other celebrities, have in common? All have been victims of extortion or blackmail.
Millions of us watched David Letterman’s apology on the late show.
Threatening to accuse another of a crime, expose personal information or compelling another to act or refrain from doing any legal act against his will is illegal under both state and federal law.
South Carolina Statute § 16-17-640 defines blackmail as:
any person who verbally, by printing or writing, or by electronic communications:
- accuses another of a crime or offense;
- exposes or publishes any of another’s personal or business acts, infirmities, or failings; or
- compels any person to do any act, or to refrain from doing any lawful act, against his will;
- with the intent to extort money or any other thing of value and/or
- attempting or threatening to do any of the above referenced acts with the intent to extort money or any other thing of value.
If convicted of blackmail or extortion, the offender may be forced to pay a five thousand dollar fine or imprisoned for up to ten years!
Over the years, we have talked to victims of blackmail and extortion, many of whom have been threatened and targeted for hush money, most typically by lovers.
We all know the options, you can go to the police, contact an attorney, comply with the demand to pay. Alternatively, just as Letterman did, you can contact the police and disclose the information.
The bigger question is whether to go to the police or to contact an attorney. As evidenced by the recent flurry of articles, opinions differ as to the best avenue to take, and it depends upon the situation. However, an attorney experienced in dealing with threats can help you weigh your options and best course of action confidentially. Some of the best managed threats you never hear about.
In the day and age of technology, one thing is clear, there are more and more avenues to disclose otherwise personal information, a fact that does not change the underlying threat, but broadens the reach of blackmail and extortion.
Strom Law Firm is a personal injury and criminal defense law firm centrally located in Columbia, South Carolina. Our firm proudly handles personal injury, criminal defense, defective products, class actions, pharmaceutical liability, toxic torts, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, workers compensation, social security, veteran's benefits, qui tam, predatory lending, tax investigations, business litigation, and wills and estates. Our lawyers proudly edit the Columbia, South Carolina Injury Board as well as the Strom Law Blog as a pro bono effort to provide the public valuable information. Our lawyers are licensed in: South Carolina, New York, and Georgia.