§ 943.30(1), Extortion – Threatening Interference with Education
State v. Richard L. Kittilstad, 231 Wis.2d 245, 603 N.W.2d 732 (1999), affirming State v. Kittilstad, 222 Wis.2d 204, 585 N.W.2d 925 (Ct. App. 1998)
For Kittilstad: Richard L. Wachowski
Issue: Whether threats to interfere with educational opportunity may amount to extortion under § 943.30(1).
Holding: A threat to interfere with education is tantamount to a threat to a “calling or trade,” and therefore falls within the statute. ¶50.
Although the holding remains unaffected, evidence was subsequently produced that the witnesses “fabricate(d) allegations of maltreatment by Kittilstad as a ploy to obtain hardship visas,” and the conviction was vacated as a result, State v. Kittilstad, Case No. 2006AP2818, 10/2/07.