Police: Craigslist companionship turned into extortion

EUGENE, Ore. - A woman who met a man on Craigslist faces a charge of theft by extortion after police say she threatened to expose the relationship to the man's spouse if he didn't give her money.

Police think there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.

Police arrested Amber Louise McGovern, 27, on July 10 when she arrived at the bank to receive money from the victim, according to police.

McGovern and the victim were in what both described to investigators as a companion relationship that began in January of this year after meeting via a posting on Craigslist.org, police said. 

The victim freely gave McGovern money for several months, police said. When he decided to no longer provide financial support to McGovern, she threatened to expose their relationship to the his spouse, police said.

Officers determined McGovern may have been known to other victims by Amber Dawn or Amber Swope. 

Anyone who has information in this case is asked to contact Officer Jimmie McBride at (541) 912-8084.