Even if extortion is a state level offense, the FBI will investigate extortion if the state and local authorities did not file their own extortion investigation. To our knowledge, neither HPD or HCSO started an extortion investigation. So, Hardin could be telling the truth, half truth or lying. None of us can make that determination. Just know, regardless of jurisdiction, the FBI can investigate extortion.
Out of curiosity. What are the internet crimes against Watson? These players and entertainers hire and fly barbers, makeup artists, hair dressers, chefs, masseuses, personal trainers and other people from all over the country. IF he claims he hired an out of state masseuse, paid her travel expenses without any explicit mention of sex or agreement to sex. Is the masseuse going to incriminate herself by saying she traveled to Houston to provide sexual services? So, if Watson never explicitly asked for sex, what is the crime to investigate? Even in some of the civil cases, it was mentioned that he did not pay extra for his alleged shenanigans.
So again, if he is not explicitly asking for sex and is using body language, flirting, humping air, exposing himself or whatever the hell was going through his mind to let them know he was okay with going beyond just a massage, what would be the evidence to investigate? What if he claims it was an innocent request until he got aroused during the massage? My point is the FBI could just as easily be investigating the accuser who directly contacted Watson's agents for $30K as the internet crimes you are referring to. WE don't know and cannot say one way or the other.
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