Media

“Sympathetic” Attacker Caught After Extortion Scheme

Release Date: December 16, 2004

A man who attacked his former boss, then apologized and took him to the hospital, has been arrested by Sheriff's Deputies after he extorted money from his victim.

Deputies say Michael D. Graham, 44, of Memphis, attacked Hollis Studdard, at his home on Raleigh LaGrange Road, on November 22, 2004. Studdard had arrived home from work about 6:30 that night when he was hit in the head by Graham, who was wearing a ski mask.

After he was stuck, Studdard said he recognized Graham's voice. Graham then pulled off his mask and apologized. Graham then offered to take Studdard to the hospital for treatment. After the men arrived at Baptist Hospital, Graham walked away.

After the assault, Deputies say Graham threatened to kill Studdard if he did not pay him $2300. Studdard paid Graham the money. Investigators say Graham then continued calling Studdard threatening to kill him if he didn't pay him more money.

Acting on a tip, the lead detective on the case, Deputy Terrell Robertson, went to a home on Woodland in the Berclair area of Memphis and arrested Graham.

Graham has been charged with Aggravated Assault. Extortion charges are pending. Additionally, Deputies will be charging him with two other crimes unrelated to the assault on Raleigh LaGrange. Graham was wanted on Theft of Property Under $500 and for Driving Under the Influence.