Police: man faked his own kidnapping in ransom attempt

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Nassau Police reports the arrest of a Huntington man for Grand Larceny which happened on July 7 at 7:45 am in Elmont.

According to police, the female victim, 62, received text messages on her cell phone from her son Michael Sorbera, 31, stating he was in trouble. The victim later received a call from an unknown male (not yet arrested) from Sorbera's cell phone. He directed the woman to wire money to Western Union in her son's name and threatened to physically harm her and Michael if she did not comply. During this phone call, Sorbera stated he was kidnapped and begged his mother to send money. The victim reported the incident to police.

During the investigation, police found Sorbera at his home. When police determined he was not kidnapped and not in extreme danger, he was arrested.

Sorbera was charged with second degree grand larceny and fourth degree conspiracy. He was arraigned July 8 at First District Court in Hempstead.