[mgstarr]

Van der Sloot is accused of offering $250,000 to a person in Birmingham in exchange for information about the whereabouts of her remains in Aruba.

Either they mis-characterized this or something but I'm not understanding. He offered money for information?? How is that extortion?

[AmusedBystander]

I think they meant that Van der Sloot is accused of offering to tell about the whereabouts of her remains in Aruba for $250,000.

More cracker jack journalism on display.

[luvbach1]

He wanted the 250 Gs for his info. Poorly worded.

[jimbo123]

The interns must have written this story for the AP since their staff reporters are in Alaska investigating Sarah Palin’s fence.

[OldDeckHand]

"Either they mis-characterized this or something but I'm not understanding. He offered money for information?? How is that extortion? "

My guess is it's just horrible grammar by a horrible local reporterette. Joran probably solicited money from someone in BHM in exchange for the information on the girl's body. That's what they should have said. Under federal law, that would fall under the extortion statute, perhaps a few others as well.

[sodpoodle]

It means he offered to give information AFTER HE GOT THE MONEY.

Much like a kidnapper asking for money before handing over the hostage.

It’s obstruction of justice and it’s illegal.

[calex59]

I’m with you, I think they mean to say he asked for 250,000 to give info on where she(her body)is.

[Psycho_Bunny]

If I recall correctly, the reward has to be offered. If you’re attempting to sell information to a relative or loved one, it becomes extortion.

[mainsail that]

Maybe you have to tell where you buried your victim for free?

[chris_bdba]

No he asked for $250,000 for Natalie’s whereabouts and info on what happened to her.