Hempfield Township, PA -- Pennsylvania State Police filed charges against a McKeesport man accused of swindling an autistic co-worker out of thousands of dollars. 

Scott Soles, 48, was charged with theft by unlawful taking, theft by extortion, theft by deception, and criminal use of a communication facility. 

State police were contacted by the victim's parents in August of 2025 after discovering text messages between their son and a co-worker at the Hempfield Township car dealership. 

The victim's parents relayed to investigators that their son did not have a concept of the value of money and was very trusting.

The victim was working at the dealership for approximately eight years through a special needs school's Transition to Work program. 

The victim's text communication with Soles began in March of 2025. 

Investigators said a review of the text messages exchanged between the victim and Soles showed Soles allegedly demanding money from the victim on numerous occasions in exchange for introducing the victim to new friends. 

State police said Soles made threats that he would tell a victim's supervisor and could adversely affect the victim's employment if he did not provide him with money. 

It was determined Soles received at least $5,370 from the victim over the course of several months, according to investigators. 

Disclaimer: To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed, all such charges are merely accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.