Port Saint Lucie Man Arrested for Extorting Legislator
Anthony Pizzarelli allegedly threatened to harass State Representative Meg Weinberger via emails and voice messages.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Corruption
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Police arrested Port Saint Lucie resident Anthony Pizzarelli on charges of extortion and harassing an elected official. Authorities claim he pressured State Representative Meg Weinberger to issue an apology and support government audits.
Why it matters
The case highlights the security risks faced by public officials when targeted by unsolicited electronic communications. Pizzarelli allegedly sought to influence state-level legislative support for audits in St. Lucie and Palm Beach counties through coercive means.
Anthony Pizzarelli faces felony charges of extortion, using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, and harassing an elected official. He was booked into custody on October 27, 2026.
The players
Anthony Pizzarelli
The 50-year-old suspect is a Port Saint Lucie resident previously accused of threatening local commissioners.
Meg Weinberger
She serves as the State Representative for Florida House District 94.
The details
Pizzarelli allegedly sent multiple emails to Weinberger starting in February 2026 and a voice memo to her personal cell phone in May 2026. Despite these interactions, Weinberger reported that she had never met the suspect before the investigation.
Timeline
In 2025, Pizzarelli was accused of sending threatening emails to St. Lucie County commissioners.
On February 9, 2026, Pizzarelli allegedly sent initial extortion demands via email.
On April 6, 2026, Pizzarelli allegedly renewed his threats via email.
On May 18, 2026, Pizzarelli sent a voice memo to Weinberger's cell phone.
On October 27, 2026, Pizzarelli was booked into custody.
Legal Context
This case follows a documented history of the suspect allegedly targeting local officials with threatening communications. The incident mirrors a 2025 pattern where the suspect was accused of threatening St. Lucie County commissioners.
The arrest serves as a reminder for residents to monitor suspicious digital communications directed at public figures. Local law enforcement agencies maintain strict protocols to ensure the safety of elected officials against harassment.
The takeaway
Public officials often face intrusive digital pressure tactics that require police intervention to maintain safety. Residents should be aware that unauthorized efforts to coerce legislative support through threats constitute serious felony offenses.
Further reading
Learn more about local government oversight and ethics by visiting the Corruption section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WPEC.
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