Felony extortion charge

Felony extortion charge

BOARDMAN

Township police Thursday arrested Robert Donegan, 44, of New Middletown on a felony extortion charge.

According to a police report, the charge stems from a report filed April 17 by the owner of Intellitech Corp. on Hickory Hill Drive. The company develops computer software for jail systems.

The business owner told police that, after being fired, Donegan had attempted to extort money from him. According to the report, the business owner said Donegan had downloaded software for two jail systems and withheld it from the company, preventing Intellitech from collecting at least $300,000.

Donegan was released on bond and is scheduled to appear Tuesday for a hearing in Mahoning County Area Court.

Benefit for deputy

AUSTINTOWN

A benefit is set for 8 p.m. today for a Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office deputy who is battling cancer.

The benefit will take place at a restaurant/bar at 6000 Mahoning Ave., for Deputy Lenny Burke, who has been battling stage 4 nonsmall-lung cancer. Donations will be taken to help Burke and his family with their medical expenses.

Drug-trafficking arrest

NILES

City police arrested a second person on a charge of drug trafficking this week.

Police arrested Stephanie Johnson, 21, of Fenton Street, on Friday and charged her with trafficking in drugs after an investigation by the Niles Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Trumbull-Ashtabula Group drug task force.

Johnson’s arrest is not related to another arrest involving trafficking in heroin earlier this week, police said.

Family event at park

BOARDMAN

Boardman Park will have a free family event next Saturday at the Maag Outdoor Theatre.

Participants should bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available. Beginning at 6 p.m., there will be a children’s bounce device, Jocko the Balloon Man, hayrides and more. From 6:30 to 8 p.m., there will be a performance by River Hawk. At 8:15 p.m., Porgie the Clown performs.

At dark, there will be an overnight family campout. Participants are urged to bring sleeping bags and tents. Continental breakfast will be provided Aug. 13. Registration fee for the camp out is $7 per family. Registration forms can be obtained at the park office, or by calling 330-726-8105.