On February 25, 2025, Tampa Bay Buccaneer player Rachaad White announced that he is involved in an illegal extortion attempt that is now being investigated by law enforcement. White retained TJ Grimaldi and Michelle Gervais to represent him in the matter.
The attorneys released a statement about the case to the public. It read: “The FBI and other appropriate authorities are currently looking into an extortion attempt against Rachaad White. Illegal and defamatory threats and demands against Rachaad and his family will be met with zero tolerance. We will continue to exercise all legal avenues to protect Rachaad’s rights as a victim of extortion.”
Details of the case are limited at this time as the investigation is in process, but White’s attorney confirmed that he has received threats and demands in an attempted extortion. Law enforcement is now involved and investigating the matter.
Multiple national news and sports outlets covered the announcement including:
Who Is Rachaad White?
Rachaad White, 26, is a well-known running back on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. White was selected by the Buccaneers in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
In his first three seasons with the Buccaneers, White ran for 2,084 yards and 10 touchdowns. His contract with the team ends in 2025. He is slated to make $3.2 million from the contract, per ESPN.
White has retained two Tampa-based attorneys to represent him in the extortion investigation. They are TJ Grimaldi and Michelle Gervais.
Related: Dealing With the Media During a High-Profile Case: What to Expect
How Serious Is an Extortion Charge?
Because federal law enforcement is investigating the case, it could result in state or federal charges against those accused of extorting White.
In Florida, extortion is second-degree felony defined by Florida Statute 836.05 as, “Whoever, either verbally or by a written or printed communication, maliciously threatens to accuse another of any crime or offense, or by such communication maliciously threatens an injury to the person, property or reputation of another, or maliciously threatens to expose another to disgrace, or to expose any secret affecting another, or to impute any deformity or lack of chastity to another, with intent thereby to extort money or any pecuniary advantage whatsoever.”
Penalties for extortion in Florida include up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Extortion is also a serious federal crime. Depending on the specifics of the case, federal extortion crimes could result in punishment of up to 20 years in prison.
Related: Get Good Legal Representation by Asking This One Question
What’s Needed to Win an Extortion Case?
Extortion is a criminal charge, which means state or federal authorities bring cases against individuals charged with the crime. State or federal prosecutors present their case against the defendant.
To win an extortion case, prosecutors must prove:
- The defendant made an intentional threat to a victim.
- The threat was made to obtain something from the victim.
- The defendant intended to make the victim act against their will.
Law enforcement is currently investigating the case. The amount of evidence they find to prove these points will determine if they choose to file charges or not.
Related: Misdemeanor vs Felony: What’s the Difference?
Who Is Representing White?
TJ Grimaldi is an attorney based in Tampa, Florida. Grimaldi practices personal injury, criminal defense, and family law. He has experience with both civil and criminal law and has worked with other high-profile clients and cases. Most notably, Grimaldi represented Nicole Oulson, the wife of Chad Oulson, who was shot and killed in a movie theater in Wesley Chapel, Florida, in 2014. Grimaldi represented Oulson through the criminal case against the man accused of killing her husband and through her personal injury lawsuit, as she was also shot during the incident.
Michelle Gervais is an attorney based in Tampa, Florida. She is a partner at Blank Rome, where she co-chairs the sports law practice. She has experience advising high-profile athletes, celebrities, executives, and businesses in complex disputes that involve the intersection of business and family law matters.
Related: What Does It Take to Be an Attorney for a High-Profile Case?
Work with an Experienced Attorney
When navigating complex legal situations, you need a trusted attorney by your side. Find an attorney with experience and expertise related to your situation. TJ Grimaldi has a wide range of experience managing both criminal and civil cases. If you have a complex legal situation to discuss, bring his experience to your case.
Request your free consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.
TJ Grimaldi joined McIntyre in 2011. McIntyre recruited TJ to create the divisions of personal injury and family law, as well as to expand the existing criminal defense practice at the firm. During TJ’s tenure at McIntyre, he has helped oversee and grow these practice areas. He continues to practice in these divisions while also expanding his own practice areas to include estate planning and immigration law. TJ is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.
