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.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
