Frederick Man Pleads Guilty To Extortion

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- A Frederick man has pleaded guilty to extortion of his former employer at the landmark Cozy Inn in Thurmont.

Patrick Plunkard, 55, entered into the plea bargain at a hearing Tuesday in Frederick. He faces up to 35 years in prison at his sentencing Nov. 21.

The defense has requested a psychological examination along with the pre-sentence investigation.

Plunkard pleaded guilty to one count of extortion, one count of sending a letter containing a threat of injury and one count of second-degree burglary. Prosecutors dropped nine other counts in return for his plea.

He allegedly stole $2,200 from the hotel-and-restaurant complex where he once worked at the reception desk.

Police say Plunkard then demanded $5,000 from owner Gerald Freeze and threatened to destroy the inn unless Freeze paid up.

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