(It must be said, since some people are keen not speak intelligently about criminal conduct: referring to a legal definition so pertinent ones's reflection on the purpose of law enforcement and their consequences. That is namely controlling uniformity in behavior according to the mores of a society. In this case commentators are keen to admit that one crime justifies another: A special prosecutor deliberately legitimates the offense of one suspect in order to entrap another suspect in fabrication of a felony offense. This sequence of revelations about "the truth" is not "good" and was not necessary to convict the suspect. No matter what satisfaction some observers may now find in punishment of moral turpitude however misdirected, this case demonstrates above all, that satisfaction legitimates arbitrary application of law is socially acceptable in USA.)

extortion

The obtaining of property from another induced by wrongful use of actual or threatened force, violence, or fear, or under color of official right.

Under the Common Law, extortion is a misdemeanor consisting of an unlawful taking of money by a government officer. It is an oppressive misuse of the power with which the law clothes a public officer. Most jurisdictions have statutes governing extortion that broaden the common-law definition. Under such statutes, any person who takes money or property from another by means of illegal compulsion may be guilty of the offense. When used in this sense, extortion is synonymous with blackmail, which is extortion by a private person. In addition, under some statutes a corporation may be liable for extortion.

Elements of Offense

Virtually all extortion statutes require that a threat must be made to the person or property of the victim. Threats to harm the victim's friends or relatives may also be included. It is not necessary for a threat to involve physical injury. It may be sufficient to threaten to accuse another person of a crime or to expose a secret that would result in public embarrassment or ridicule. The threat does not have to relate to an unlawful act. Extortion may be carried out by a threat to tell the victim's spouse that the victim is having an illicit sexual affair with another.

The identities of perpetrator(s) and subject of the crime are neither obscure nor abstruse facts.

What is the threat?
Who is threatened?
Who received the money?


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