OLIVIA - An online connection fostered on the socialization app "Meet Me" turned sinister when a Bird Island man blackmailed the woman he had met through the app, claiming to have taken video of their physical encounter.
The man involved, Tyrel Steven Kaiser, 33, pleaded guilty this winter in Renville County District Court to one felony charge of coercion -- threat to expose a secret or disgrace. He was sentenced Friday to 45 days in jail, five years of supervised probation, and ordered to complete an addiction treatment program. A 17-month prison term was stayed.
Kaiser's October in-person meeting with the online acquaintance ended with the woman's clothing completely removed, according to the criminal complaint on the charge.
Afterward, the woman told police, she completely cut off communication with Kaiser. But he persisted in his attempts to contact her, even creating a fake social media account.
Then, Kaiser allegedly threatened the woman, telling her he had a video of their encounter, and that if she did not pay him $500, he would post the video online. He also allegedly threatened to send the video to the woman's mother and place of employment, naming both in his threat.
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In drug-task-force fashion, authorities asked the woman to wear a recording and transmitting device and attempt to buy the video from Kaiser. She met him at his Bird Island residence, where he allegedly handed over a digital media card in exchange for $500 and told the woman there was no longer any threat. He was then arrested after a search warrant was issued.
