A McKeesport man is accused of scamming an autistic co-worker out of thousands of dollars.
48-year-old Scott Soles has been charged with theft by unlawful taking, theft by extortion and theft by deception.
The victim was working at a Hempfield Township car dealership for the last 8 years through a special needs transition to work program.
His parents told investigators their son had no concept of the value of money and he was very trusting.
They contacted State Police in August after they found disturbing text messages showing Soles was demanding money in exchange for introducing the victim to new friends.
Soles is accused of taking more than $5,000 from the victim.
Police said Soles also made threats that he could get in trouble at work if he didn't pay up.