FORMER Stilwell businessman pleads guilty to attempting to extort banker

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) _ A former Stilwell businessman has pleaded guilty to mailing a threatening letter in an attempt to get money from a banker. <br><br>Leonard E. Baird, 48, pleaded guilty in federal

Tuesday, June 12th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) _ A former Stilwell businessman has pleaded guilty to mailing a threatening letter in an attempt to get money from a banker.

Leonard E. Baird, 48, pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to mailing a threatening communication and receiving extortion money.

Baird was arrested in early December after he mailed a threatening letter to Stilwell banker Jim Carson, demanding $750,000 be put in a garbage bag and left near a rural church.

Baird was arrested after FBI agents observed him picking up the bag, which contained only copy paper and two $100 bills.

Baird is the oldest son of Leonard and Billie Baird, a former Oklahoma Farm Family of the Year.

After his arrest, he admitted mailing Carson the threatening letter, which threatened Carson's children.

Baird could be sentenced to up to six and-a-half years in prison, prosecutors said.

A sentencing date will be set by U.S. District Judge Frank Seay.