My Girlfriend found a phone on the counter at the Mini-Mart, she picked it up and dropped in her purse with her change - trying to catch the...

Question

My Girlfriend found a phone on the counter at the Mini-Mart, she picked it up and dropped in her purse with her change - trying to catch the person who left it behind - unable to catch them, she handed to an acquaintance, who was waiting outside and asked her to deal with it - she spoke with the owner of the market and was told she would be prosecuted - (and even physically hurt) if she didn't return the phone or give the owner 500$ - she is not in possession of the phone, she only grabbed it to return it to the owner of the phone - now she is afraid and wants to know what will happen to her

Answer

That is extortion to threaten with bodily harm. The owner can report it but the DA will determine if there is enough evidence to prosecute. Based on those facts I wouldn't worry as it looks pretty ugly for the owner not to report it right away and then try to extort her.