Richmond County District RCMP has charged a man with extortion in relation to an investigation that began in early December in St. Peter’s.

On December 1, 2021, police received a report of two people being extorted by their landlord. During the course of the investigation, police learned that the two victims had immigrated to Canada, from Germany, with assistance from a man who would become their landlord. The victims had opened a business and were renting commercial space from the man. When the victims explored options for properly breaking their lease agreement, the man demanded money or property from the victims or he would ensure that the victims temporary work visas were revoked, which would result in their deportation.

Frank Eckhardt, 56, of Grand River, was arrested on December 6 without incident. Eckhardt has been charged with Extortion and was released on conditions. He will appear in Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court on February 28, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.

The investigation is continuing.

Source: Release