Alleged Extortion Scheme Leads to Charges for Newton Woman

A 40-year-old Newton woman has been charged with a series of crimes, including extortion, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, and multiple counts of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from an incident where the woman allegedly threatened a victim at gunpoint over a debt, which she and her boyfriend later claimed was a joke.

Suspect Confronts Victim at Gunpoint Over Alleged Debt

Waiting in Ambush

According to police reports, Lisa Dickerson waited in a truck for the victim to exit a local business, World To Go, along with the victim's sibling and father. As the three entered their vehicle, Dickerson approached the passenger side door and, while allegedly pointing a gun, demanded that the victim pay the money they owed.

Victim's Account Corroborated

The victim described the gun as silver in color with a brown handle. This description matched the accounts of two other victims, and police were able to corroborate the victim's story by reviewing video footage from the scene, which showed Dickerson holding something in her hands.

Suspect's Conflicting Statements

When questioned by police, Dickerson initially denied any involvement in the incident. However, when officers asked about a firearm, she admitted that it was a fake, later claiming it was a water gun and that the situation was "funny." Dickerson said she had discarded the water gun before the police arrived.

Boyfriend's Involvement

Dickerson claimed that the victim "owed him money," and her boyfriend corroborated this, stating that the victim "owes me 0, and it was funny." This suggests that the alleged debt and the confrontation were a coordinated effort between Dickerson and her boyfriend.

Charges and Potential Penalties

As a result of the incident, Dickerson has been charged with five crimes, including extortion, a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to ,500, and intimidation with a dangerous weapon, a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to ,000. The additional assault charges, classified as aggravated misdemeanors, carry a potential sentence of up to two years in prison and fines up to ,540.

Ongoing Investigation

The Newton Police Department's investigation into this incident is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold in the legal system. The alleged actions of Dickerson and her boyfriend have raised serious concerns about the use of threats and intimidation tactics, and the authorities are committed to ensuring that justice is served.