Man charged with aiding and abetting

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Federal prosecutors have charged a Kentucky man with helping an alleged extortion attempt against University of Louisville coach Rick Pitino.

Lester Goetzinger is charged with aiding and abetting 49-year-old Karen Cunagin Sypher in her alleged attempt to extort millions from Pitino.

Court papers filed late Wednesday show prosecutors have reached a deal with Goetzinger that requires him to go through a pretrial diversion program. The deal means charges against Goetzinger will be dismissed after a year if he does not break the law.

Prosecutors claim Sypher tried to extort millions to pay for college tuition for her children and her house. She has pleaded not guilty.

Federal prosecutors wouldn't comment on the deal Thursday morning and Goetzinger's attorney did not immediately return a telephone message.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

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