COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A mother from Coldwater wanted for extortion in a Branch County child sex abuse case has been taken into custody by Michigan State Police. 43-year old Diana Rodriguez was booked Monday at the Branch County Jail on 2 counts of extortion.
The alleged victim in more than 4 dozen sexual assaults is a woman identified as Rodriguez’ daughter who was 13 years old when the reported incidents began and lasted more than 3 years. She’s now 22-years old and living in Northwest Indiana.
Two men from Branch County’s Bethel Township were arrested last month including 44-year old David Green, who’s charged with 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct. Green and 69-year old Gene Keith are both accused of taking nude photos of the victim, who told detectives Keith offered her the pictures in exchange for money.
Authorities say Rodriguez attempted to extort $5,000 each from Green and Keith, and in return she wouldn’t tell police about the sexual assaults. Investigators don’t believe any money exchanged hands.
Rodriguez remains behind bars on $25,000 bond with a probable cause hearing set for January 12, 2016. Keith, a registered sex offender, had his first hearing scheduled for today. Green is due back in District Court on February 18, 2016.
