# Would this be blackmail? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 12, 2014, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029 "2014-12-12T14:32:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![bizerta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/1 "2014-12-12T14:32:44Z")
facts: It costs $12k per year to educate a student in my public school. Mr & Mrs X decide to sneak their son into the school system from a not-so-good neighboring town. Every time I presented evidence to the school board, Mr. X trumped it with authoritative-looking documentation. I then had to go and refute that documentation (e.g. I showed the school board a recent declaration-of-homestead in the neighboring town). It took three months. Eventually, the school board tried to kick SON out of school, but Mr. X pleated that it was November of his senior year, so the school board allowed him to stay if he paid “tuition”. It took me another 8 months (using the state’s equivalent of the Freedom-of-Information-Act, including appeals), but I finally ascertained that Mr. X paid a paltry $8k for a $48k education. So I built a web site detailing all the facts, including the names of the mother, father, son. Now son is about to graduate college and Mom is afraid my web page will be seen by potential employers. She wants me to take it down. She originally threatened me with legal action, but my defense is that my web site was truthful. So … Is it blackmail if I ask her to reimburse our town the $40k she stole (my opinion, of course) before I remove the web page? ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/2 "2014-12-12T14:35:09Z")
It’s not blackmail, it seems to me… but why are you doing this? Does this kid deserve any of this hassle, even if his parents might have done something wrong, especially considering that he’s about to go out and start his own life? ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/3 "2014-12-12T14:43:35Z")
Wow, what a thing to do. Presumably these folks were paying taxes to their official neighborhood that they weren’t going to, so they weren’t getting anything for free. Personally, I think it’s so screwed up how people in poor neighborhoods get lousy schools and privileged people get excellent schools. Good on them for getting their child the best they can get. What’s it to you? ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/4 "2014-12-12T14:47:32Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > What’s it to you? Seriously. This is the school district’s issue to pursue, if they want to, not yours. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/5 "2014-12-12T14:57:42Z")
Agreed. What a busybody. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/6 "2014-12-12T15:04:47Z")
They could hire a hit man for way less than $40K. Of course he’ll turn out to be an undercover cop. ---
**Author:** ![Bridget\_Burke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7cd45c/32.png) [@Bridget\_Burke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bridget_Burke)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/7 "2014-12-12T15:11:27Z")
Take the website down for your own good. It shows that you are a mean-spirited busybody with too much time on your hands. Of course, everybody who knows you is probably aware of that fact. ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/8 "2014-12-12T15:12:53Z")
Get a life. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/9 "2014-12-12T15:15:37Z")
> [@bizerta](#): > > She originally threatened me with legal action, … I hope she sues your ass off and wins. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/10 "2014-12-12T15:25:12Z")
One common definition of blackmail is a demand for money (or at least something of value) under threat of disclosing something harmful if the money isn’t paid. So I’d say what’s described in the OP probably qualifies. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/11 "2014-12-12T15:26:58Z")
> [@Xema](#): > > One common definition of blackmail is a demand for money (or at least something of value) under threat of disclosing something harmful if the money isn’t paid. So I’d say what’s described in the OP probably qualifies. But the OP isn’t demanding the money for him/herself, but for the school district. I think that makes it not blackmail… not that it’s okay, though. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/12 "2014-12-12T15:28:15Z")
Failing a link to the website, I’m not sure I believe this story. ---
**Author:** ![Fuzzy\_Dunlop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/848f3c/32.png) [@Fuzzy\_Dunlop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fuzzy_Dunlop)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/13 "2014-12-12T15:32:48Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > Failing a link to the website, I’m not sure I believe this story. I find it hard to believe anybody could be that big of an insufferable busy body, let alone that they could be that blissfully unaware of what a turd they come off as. It seems like more of a hypothetical situation about a really unpleasant person than anybody would would be that awful in reality. ---
**Author:** ![Erdosain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/erdosain/32/7284_2.png) [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/14 "2014-12-12T15:45:27Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > Failing a link to the website, I’m not sure I believe this story. Yes. I find it literally unbelievable that the mother would voluntarily contact someone like the OP, who is clearly insane. If she does exist, I would comfort her with the assertion that no employer would refuse to hire a recent college grad just because a mentally unstable person created a website devoted to the supposed wrongdoings of his parents. ---
**Author:** ![Alley\_Dweller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alley_dweller/32/430_2.png) [@Alley\_Dweller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alley_Dweller)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/15 "2014-12-12T15:56:39Z")
> [@Xema](#): > > One common definition of blackmail is a demand for money (or at least something of value) under threat of disclosing something harmful if the money isn’t paid. So I’d say what’s described in the OP probably qualifies. He says he has already put up the web site, so that cat’s out of the bag. He’s already disclosed the harmful thing for everyone to see. It seems to me that this is similar to those arrest records and mug shot data bases all over the internet. They post public records disclosing arrests. They allow the person featured in the records to request that they be deleted for a “processing charge.” ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/16 "2014-12-12T16:03:18Z")
Not blackmail as it sits. Could be blackmail if you threaten to actively inform said potential employers unless the payment is made. Demanding the payment as a prerequisite to removing the webpage might be extortion. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/17 "2014-12-12T16:14:57Z")
Here’s Massachusetts law: > [@](#): > > Section 25. **Whoever, verbally or by a written or printed communication, maliciously threatens to accuse another of a crime or offence,** or by a verbal or written or printed communication maliciously threatens an injury to the person or property of another, or any police officer or person having the powers of a police officer, or any officer, or employee of any licensing authority who verbally or by written or printed communication maliciously and unlawfully uses or threatens to use against another the power or authority vested in him, with intent thereby to extort money or any pecuniary advantage, or **with intent to compel any person to do any act against his will, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than fifteen years** , or in the house of correction for not more than two and one half years, or by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars, or both. I am not a lawyer, but it seems very clear to me that the OP is: (1) accusing someone of a crime or offense; and (2) intending to compel an act against the other person’s will. The only ambiguity in my mind is whether the OP’s actions meet the legal definition of “maliciously” accusing someone of a crime. If I were a juror, I’d probably vote to convict. But holy fucking cow, get a life. Take down the website. You aren’t the school district police. The school board decided they didn’t care that much about this, and you’ve spent a year of your life fighting this family? Seriously, get a grip. IMHO, you might need to consult a professional about this unhealthy fixation/vendetta. ETA: I see on re-reading that the son is about to graduate from college, meaning this has been going on for at least five years. Even more reason to see a therapist. ---
**Author:** ![Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hentor_the_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/18 "2014-12-12T16:54:08Z")
I think you should take the content off your website, but I think you should leave the site up. What you should do is document all of the time and effort you’ve spent on this issue and post that on the site. You should include a narrative that gives an account of your thinking on this matter. I think you should present your town government with a detailed bill for all of your services. I think you should publicize this so that everyone can see the kind of person you are. ---
**Author:** ![Fubaya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@Fubaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fubaya)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/19 "2014-12-12T17:10:47Z")
You’re doing the Lord’s work OP, and i think it’s a brilliant plan. Keep us informed how it goes. I’d enjoy seeing someone get their comeuppance out of this story. > [@Ravenman](#): > > … you’ve spent a year of your life fighting this family? More like 4 years. It started during the kids senior year of high school and now he’s getting ready to graduate college. But time flies when you’re following, obsessing and harassing a kid and his family. ---
**Author:** ![yellowjacketcoder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/4bbf92/32.png) [@yellowjacketcoder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowjacketcoder)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029/20 "2014-12-12T17:11:33Z")
The impressive thing to me is that this poster has been around since 1999. I expected this to be one of the … more unusual drive-by postings this board gets, but apparently **bizerta** has been around a while. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029.md?page=2)