Man charged with trying to extort nearly $1 million from relative

A Tennessee man was arrested on allegations he tried to extort nearly $1 million from a relative who lives in San Rafael.

Robbins Lee Thornhill, 47, was booked on an arrest warrant from the Marin County District Attorney’s Office. He surrendered to the sheriff’s department on Monday after traveling from out of state.

Thornhill threatened to shoot the relative or post false social media articles about him being a child molester if he did not pay, the prosecution alleged. The alleged demand was for money to cover medical expenses.

“Failure to make timely payment will not bode well for you,” Thornhill allegedly texted the relative, according to a prosecution affidavit.

Thornhill appeared in court on Wednesday in an effort to get his bail amount reduced from $100,000. His public defender, Kimberly Fitzgerald, said Thornhill should be released on his own recognizance because he has “no prior record at all” and voluntarily surrendered when he learned of the charges.

Prosecutor Thomas McCallister argued that bail should be raised to $170,000 because of the alleged violent threats. McCallister also said that Thornhill violated court orders barring him from contacting the alleged victim.

Judge Paul Haakenson said Thornhill does not appear to be a flight risk but said the alleged threats are too concerning to eliminate bail entirely. Haakenson lowered the amount to $25,000 and ordered Thornhill to wear a tracking device on his ankle if he posts bail.

Thornhill is scheduled to enter a plea on Tuesday. He is charged with attempted extortion, elder endangerment and violating restraining orders.