A Grand Junction man who allegedly claimed to be a Las Vegas bounty hunter is accused in an extortion plot involving a local real estate agent.

David A. York, 34, was arrested early Sunday on a Mesa County Sheriff’s warrant alleging felony criminal extortion. York last week allegedly walked into the office of a Grand Junction Realtor and demanded money while threatening to get the money from the victim’s mother if he didn’t comply, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

The victim told deputies a man calling himself “Tony” — who stood about 6 feet 6 inches tall, “looking like a Marine” — walked into his office around noon May 5 and said he needed $1,500 which the victim supposedly owed to a friend, according to the affidavit.

The victim denied owing any money.

“(Victim) stated Tony was not directly threatening but his appearance and demeanor was very threatening,” the affidavit said.

Tony claimed to be a licensed bounty hunter from Las Vegas working for a local bail bond agency.

The real estate agent said his next encounter with Tony was a phone call around noon on May 6, when Tony called and said he was coming to the office around 3 p.m. with four other people to “tear up” the place.

Tony allegedly threatened to get the money from the victim’s mother, at her home. He allegedly called the victim again that night, saying, “we’re coming to get you.”

Sheriff’s deputies who handled the report then called Tony’s number — a man allegedly answered as “David York.”

The real estate agent later identified York after viewing a photo lineup of six men, according to the affidavit.

York was being held Monday on $7,500 bond at the Mesa County Jail.

Reach Paul Shockley at pshockley@gjfreepress.com