Gang leader charged with extorting punk rocker

The U.S. attorney's office in Chicago is reporting an alleged street gang leader whose organization uses violence to extort hardcore punk rock music performers has been arrested in Los Angeles.

Elgin Nathan James is accused of extorting $5,000 from a recording artist from the Chicago area while the victim's band was on tour. The victim was not named.

James, who was arrested late Monday at his home, is charged with attempted extortion in a criminal complaint that was filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago on July 10 and unsealed Tuesday.

According to prosecutors, James is a founder of "FSU," a gang reportedly established in Boston.

Prosecutors say James tried to extort protection money from the alleged victim in 2005, after the artist had a violent encounter with gang members.