Man Arrested, Accused Of Trying To Extort Money From Hines Ward

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A man is under arrest, accused of trying to extort money from former Pittsburgh Steelers' star Hines Ward.

According to investigators, 26-year-old Joshua Van Auker is accused of sending a text to Ward's assistant claiming he had proof that the retired wide receiver had paid women for sex, and would release that information unless he got $15,000.

Authorities say Van Auker allegedly told the assistant that his girlfriend used to be in a relationship Ward and the material he had would embarrass the former Steeler.

He said: "It's called buying silence, brother."

The District Attorney set up a meeting time to give Van Auker the money, he took it and was arrested.

Van Auker is currently in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting arraignment.

Stay with KDKA for the latest details.

RELATED LINKS:
More Local News