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Two charged in Pennsauken alleged extortion

PENNSAUKEN A Municipal Court public defender and a translator were arrested Wednesday in the alleged extortion of a man who needed help communicating in English, Camden County Prosecutor Warren W. Faulk said.

    by Tony Fitts
    Published 

Two charged in Pennsauken alleged extortion
PENNSAUKEN A Municipal Court public defender and a translator were arrested Wednesday in the alleged extortion of a man who needed help communicating in English, Camden County Prosecutor Warren W. Faulk said.

Mario Persiano Jr., 34, and Ana Baisden, 57, both of Pennsauken, allegedly accepted a $400 cash payment from the defendant, who needed translation services for a trial. They were charged with official misconduct and conspiracy to commit theft by extortion.

The defendant reported the solicitation — Persiano and Baisden allegedly asked for $800 initially — to Faulk's office this month. Prosecutors said there was evidence of other alleged victims.

Anyone with information about the solicitation of illegal fees may call 856-225-8480 or e-mail ccpotips@ccprosecutor.org.

- Robert Moran