BATON ROUGE – Detectives say a Department of Development inspector was arrested Wednesday after they say he tried to extort money from several Baton Rouge business.

Baton Rouge Police say 29-year-old Jeremy Jamal Johnson was charged with attempted felony theft, extortion, malfeasance in office and public bribery.

Detectives say Johnson, a code enforcement officer, arrived at Tammy's Nails on Greenwell Springs Road requesting $3,000 to conduct an unscheduled inspection. When asked about the inspection, Johnson lowered the fee to $2,800.

When the business said it did not have the money, Johnson demanded $2,200 in cash or he would close the business. Johnson even offered to give an employee a ride to the bank, BRPD said.

Johnson fled the scene after employees contacted the property owner.

Baton Rouge Police are encouraging any other potential victims to contact the Financial Crimes division at 225-389-3871.