By Staff Writer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On charges of extortion and grand theft, Freddie Lee Edwards Jr., aged 42, was taken into custody yesterday. The arrest followed allegations that Edwards stole a dog and demanded $150 from the owner, threatening to accuse her of neglect if she refused to comply.

According to a report from the Gainesville Police Department, the incident unfolded on July 21 when the victim was fueling her car. She momentarily left her vehicle unattended and upon her return, discovered her Maltese-Poodle mix, worth $825, had vanished. An hour later, Edwards allegedly contacted her using the number on the dog’s collar, claiming to have found the animal. Instead of simply handing the dog back, he accused the owner of neglect and insisted on a $150 payment to avoid reporting her to the authorities.

Fearing for her pet’s well-being, the owner agreed to meet Edwards. Witnesses were present as she handed over $150, after which Edwards returned the dog.

The victim was able to provide the police with photographs of Edwards during the transaction, and witnesses corroborated her story, leading to his arrest.

Edwards has been charged with extortion and grand theft. He has 13 felony convictions (one violent) and 12 misdemeanor convictions (three violent); he has served one state prison sentence and was released in 2010. He is on probation for felony battery and has a Notice to Appear for driving without a valid license (second or subsequent offense). Judge Jonathan Ramsey set bail at $35,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.