DEERFIELD TWP, Ohio — A Warren County man and woman have been arrested and charged with multiple felonies for attempting to extort money from a victim while the man was disguised as a police officer, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday in a news release.
Police said the victim met Mendy Roberts, 32, at a hotel Tuesday night after responding to an ad for "companionship" placed on backpage.com, a Craigslist-esque classified site that also advertises adult services.
While the victim was in the room, Ronnie Tyler, 35, burst in and claimed to be a police officer, according to authorities. Police said that Tyler demanded the victim pay him to avoid criminal and professional consequences for the encounter with Roberts. Later, according to authorities, Tyler reached out to the victim again and demanded more money.
Warren County police arrested Tyler and Roberts Tuesday. Tyler faces charges of felony extortion and impersonating a police officer; Roberts has been charged with one felony count of complicity to extortion.
Both Tyler and Roberts are being held in the Warren County Jail without bond.
