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Contact: Jim Cross
PHONE: 316-269-6481
FAX:      316-269-6420

        July 14 , 2008

BAXTER SPRINGS MAN SENTENCED FOR BLACKMAIL AT SENSATIONS GENTLEMEN’S CLUB

WICHITA, KAN. – Timothy J. Schooley, 30, Baxter Springs, was sentenced Monday to one year on probation – including two months home confinement – and a $1,000 fine for blackmail.

Schooley pleaded guilty in April to one count of extortion. In his plea, he admitted that between March and May 2007 while he was in the company of former Cherokee County Attorney Michael Goodrich he demanded a share of money Goodrich received from an employee of Sensations Gentlemen’s Club in Galena, Kan. Schooley admitted obtaining the money through the threat of informing authorities that Goodrich was accepting favorable treatment and money from the club in return for providing favorable treatment for employees by dismissing traffic tickets and other case costs.

Goodrich pleaded guilty in June to one count of extortion. He is set for sentencing Sept. 8, 2008.

U.S. Attorney Eric Melgren commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst for their work on the case.