Fort Dodge Man Arrested In August Now Faces New Charges

The man accused of driving through the building at Northern Lights Distribution in Fort Dodge and evading arrest back in August, is now facing new criminal charges. 32 year old Nicholas J. Ertl of Fort Dodge now faces charges if Extortion, perjury and escape from custody. Criminal complaints says that Ertl allegedly sent a letter to a local business owner while he was in custody and demanded over $80,000 from that business owner. Police say that Ertl’s letter stated he would tell authorities about accusations he made in the letter if he did not receive payment. Police say the accusations turned out to be unfounded. Ertl also allegedly tried to escape the Webster County Jail. These new charges are in addition to his charges from the August alleged incident. The charges from August include two counts of 1st degree burgulary, 2nd degree criminal mischief and eluding.

(Photo Of Nicholas J. Ertl is courtesy of NorthIowaToday.com)