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Mastermind of extortion, arson, gets 15 years in jail

EDMONTON — An Edmonton man who masterminded a series of violent acts against business associates has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

EDMONTON — An Edmonton man who masterminded a series of violent acts against business associates has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Jonathan David Meer, 48, was sentenced for arson and extortion, and with credit for time served, he will spend 9 1/2 years behind bars.

After sentencing, Meer’s daughter was taken into custody after she stood up in court and screamed at the judge.

In 2007 and 2008, Meer targeted several business associates who were trying to collect debts after his business dealings had weakened.

Police are still on the hunt for Meer’s son, Christopher, who is wanted on arson, extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion and many other charges.

The high-profile case also received airtime on the U.S.-based TV program America’s Most Wanted last January.