CRANBERRY TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A Utica man has been accused of attempting to extort $200,000.00 from his Cranberry Township employer.

According to court documents, Franklin-based State Police filed criminal charges against 40-year-old Scott Wayne Edmondson, of Utica.

According to a criminal complaint, the Vice President of Heath Oil, Inc. was interviewed at PSP Franklin in relation to an employee of the company — Scott Wayne Edmondson. During the interview, it was learned that “initially Edmondson was the Safety and Compliance Officer, but due to his job performance, his position was changed to a plant operator. On March 24, 2016, the plant had a minor unexplained spill. None of the material that overflowed left the site. Edmondson came to work on March 24, then never returned to work.”

The complaint states that on April 3, 2016, the Vice President of Heath Oil “had a phone conversation with Edmondson. At which time, Edmondson expressed his dislike for (the president of Health Oil) and related that he did not like how the company was being operated….He said he was going to call the DEP.”

On April 10, Edmondson called the company’s president and sent him text messages indicating that he has been “gathering ‘intel’ for the past 18 months and that the DEP would fine the company $200,000.00 if it was reported and that Heath Oil would ‘be no more.’ He told (the president) he should think about the dollar amount,” the complaint indicates.

On April 12, Edmondson called the company’s president again, and the call was merged so the vice president could listen in on the conversation. Edmondson allegedly suggested that the president pay him $200,000.00, according to the complaint.

On April 21, the president and vice president of the company met with Edmondson. Edmondson allegedly said, “I’m here for my package,” referring to the money. When he was told that they needed time, Edmondson allegedly said, “You have until tomorrow morning,” and then immediately left. On April 22, a final text exchange occurred between Edmondson and the president. Edmondson stated he would meet on “Monday at 7:15 giving (the president) extra time on the balance.”

Based on the information gathered during his investigation, Cpl. Bunyak, of PSP Franklin, asked the court require Edmondson answer to the charges made.

Edmondson was arraigned at 8:30 p.m. on April 25 in front of Magisterial District Judge Patrick E. Lowrey.

He was charged with Criminal Attempt — Theft Extort-Testify W/Holding Testimony, a second-degree felony.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on May 4 in Venango County Central Court

Bail was set at $25,000.00 unsecured.