...Most states define extortion as the gaining of property or money by almost any kind of force, or threat of ...3) harm to reputation, or 4) unfavorable government action.
While usually viewed as a form of theft/larceny, extortion differs from robbery in that the threat in question does not pose an imminent physical danger to the victim.
Extortion is a felony in all states.
Extortion can take place over the telephone, via mail, text, email or other computer or wireless communication.
...Virtually all extortion statutes require that a threat must be made to the person or property of the victim.
Mike Barber and City Council defunding DGI,
thereby threatening to reduce Cindy Hayworth's income?
...It is not necessary for a threat to involve physical injury.
...The threat does not have to relate to an unlawful act.
...Many statutes also provide that any threat to harm another person in his or her career or reputation is extortion."
http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-charges/extortion.html
