Vidalia, LA (19/2024) – A year-long extortion ordeal came to an end as authorities arrested a Vidalia man, seizing a cache of weapons, ammunition, and other assets obtained through fraudulent means.
The investigation, initiated by the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) on February 15, 2024, uncovered a scheme of extortion, resulting in the victim paying over $160,000 in cash to the suspect under duress. The ordeal began with the suspect, Nathaniel Matus Lopez, soliciting funds from the victim under the guise of aiding trafficked children near the Mexican border. However, the narrative evolved, with Lopez threatening the victim’s entire family with execution by a drug cartel unless payments continued.
The threats escalated, including laser beams aimed at the victim’s residence, menacing electronic communications, and intimidation of the victim’s children in public spaces. Armed with evidence, detectives executed a search warrant at Lopez’s residence, seizing assets acquired through the extortion scheme. Among the confiscated items were over $30,000 worth of firearms and ammunition, a 2018 Ford F-150, cash in new $100 bills, electronic devices (including one belonging to the victim), and bank cards.
Nathaniel Matus Lopez, 23, of Vidalia, LA, was arrested on charges of Extortion, Terrorizing, and Felony Theft by Fraud.
Detective Stephen Lipscomb is leading the ongoing investigation and encourages potential victims or individuals with information to come forward. Detective Lipscomb can be reached at (318) 437-0740, or tips can be submitted online via the CPSO mobile app.
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A law enforcement-related agency has provided this information as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal “All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.” or arrested and charged with a crime have not been convicted of any criminal offense. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
