Largo Commission Candidate Accused of Extortion

The Largo Police Department has announced the arrest of a city commission candidate on extortion charges.

According to the agency, Robert Avery faces a felony charge following a Monday arrest.

“Avery, who has filed to run for Largo Commission Seat 3 in the next election is accused of composing and sending an anonymous email through Aaron Darr’s website,” an email from the agency stated.

Darr has also filed to run for the same seat being sought by Avery.

Police say “the anonymous email advised the suspect had negative information on the candidate that was obtained digitally and the information would be released if the candidate did not drop out of the race.”

The message was sent out on Aug. 29.

Police are releasing no further information about the crime at this time, but did say the IP address the anonymous email was sent from was traced back to Avery.

Avery had not yet been fully processed into the Pinellas County Jail as of Monday afternoon.

Image via Shutterstock