A member of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians testified in the extortion trial of a former sheriff's deputy in San Bernardino County, California.

Ray Green, 46, said former deputy John Laurent, 31, asked him for vehicles and cash in exchange for help with his criminal record. Green, who has been convicted of drug-related crimes, agreed to give Laurent $80,000 in cash and two vehicles.

Green eventually went to the sheriff's department and recorded his conversations with Laurent, who was fired in July 2008 and was indicted in May on extortion charges. The trial began earlier this week but a judge called a mistrial. A new jury was seated and began hearing testimony yesterday.

Get the Story:
Tribal member says ex-deputy tried extortion (The San Bernardino Sun 7/10)
Judge declares mistrial in case of ex-deputy (The San Bernardino Sun 7/8)
Jury selection starts in extortion trial for former deputy (The San Bernardino Sun 7/7)

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Ex-officer accused of extorting San Manuel man (5/1)