United Group Insurance

Harlan teen charged with extorting money from a woman

News

September 14th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

Authorities in Shelby County say a Harlan teenager was arrested on Monday after demanding money and goods from a woman. The Harlan Police Department reports 14-year old Bryan Wilke was charged with felony extortion for allegedly demanding money and/or goods from the mother of a 12-year old girl. Wilke allegedly had inappropriate pictures of the daughter and was willing to trade for $6,000 and other goods.

The teen was arrested after meeting with the girl’s mother at Pioneer Park in Harlan at around 6:15-p.m., Monday. Officials say the photos were allegedly taken by the 12-year old and sent by text message to Wilke. An investigation is continuing to determine if the alleged photos were passed on to anyone else. Wilke was transported by Harlan Police to the Southwest Iowa Juvenile Detention Center in Council Bluffs. He could face up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in additional fines if he is tried as an adult.