Fayette Co. Man Charged, Accused Of Blackmail Over Alleged Affair
UNIONTOWN (KDKA) -- A man from Fayette County is accused of trying to blackmail someone who was having an affair.
Police say Thomas Earl Wingard, Jr., of Uledi, allegedly threatened to expose the extramarital affair unless the victim paid him to keep quiet.
Investigators say Wingard accused the victim of having a relationship with a woman alleged to be his girlfriend. State Police say Wingard stormed into the home threatening to to smack the victim's skull with a baseball bat.
Wingard then allegedly took all of the victim's money – about $120 – and then forced the victim to pay him more than a dozen times to continue hiding the affair.
In all, investigators say Wingard was given about $13,000 over two months.
The victim contacted state police who asked the victim to arrange a meeting with Wingard. After, troopers swept in, arresting Wingard.
He is charged with extortion, theft and robbery, as well as several other felonies.
He is currently free on a $50,000 cash bond.
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