Police: Princess Anne commissioner arrested for extortion

Police say a Princess Anne town commissioner has been arrested and charged in connection with an extortion scheme.

Lionel Frederick, 25, has been charged with three counts of extortion and theft, Maryland State Police announced Monday.

Authorities say the investigation, conducted by Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division in Princess Anne, began on May 5.

According to police, “information was obtained” and it reportedly indicated Frederick had contacted a Somerset County commissioner, saying there was a person who would run for the commissioner’s seat. Authorities say Frederick allegedly told he would convince the person to not run, if commissioner paid him [Frederick] 5,000 dollars.

We’re told Frederick made contact with the county commissioner Monday and arranged to meet and receive half of the $5,000.

State Police investigators say they conducted a surveillance of the meeting, which reportedly happened at Frederick’s home. 

Police say Frederick was arrested shortly after the county commissioner gave him 2,500 dollars.

In September 2014, Frederick was charged with first and second degree assault for allegedly driving onto Marquis Cotton’s lawn and spraying mace in his face.

The first charge was not pursued; however, Frederick faced unsupervised probation before judgment for second degree assault.

The investigation for the latest alleged incident is ongoing.

47ABC will continue to update this story as details are released.