Rumors are running rampant online accusing the Alameda County Sheriff's Office of extortion, officials said. A photo making the rounds on the internet captures sheriff's deputies handling money at the counter of an Oakland business; however, rumors suggest that officers were extorting the business and not performing in their official capacity.In a community note, officials with the sheriff's office clarified that the officers were enforcing a writ of execution for a business levy.
In layman's terms, officials can seize cash, property, or the like to collect on a debt from an official judgment.Such a case took place on July 19 at a local Oakland business.Officials said that owners can have the levy collected privately, but in the case depicted, it was at the storefront.