Miss New Jersey Discusses Blackmail Packages On ‘Today’

TRENTON, N.J. (July 9, 2007) — Miss New Jersey has received a second threatening package from someone trying to blackmail her into relinquishing her crown.

Anthony Caruso, an attorney for Amy Polumbo, said that he was notified about the package Saturday and that it contained a threatening letter and possibly new photographs of the 22-year-old woman.

Caruso would not comment Sunday on the exact contents of the package or say who received it, but said he had given it to state investigators.

Polumbo announced Thursday that someone was trying to blackmail her with old photographs and demanding that she give up her crown by Friday. The student at Wagner College in New York did not step down.

Polumbo appeared on NBC’s “Today” show this morning to discuss the threatening packages. Polumbo said they contain anonymous letters and photographs with fictitious captions and may also be doctored.

She said whoever is trying to blackmail her must be “very miserable” and she feels “really bad” for that person.

The beauty queen said the photographs appeared on her Facebook page and do not contain nudity or show her engaging in any illegal activity, such as underage drinking.

However, her lawyer says Miss America contestants have to abide by a moral turpitude clause, and they are awaiting the outcome of an investigation.

Polumbo said she doesn’t know who wants to hurt her.

The first runner-up to Polumbo in the Miss New Jersey pageant in June denied any involvement in the blackmail scheme and said she hoped the scandal wouldn’t affect future competitions.

“I wish only the best for Amy and her family at this time,” Ronica Licciardello told the New York Post and New York Daily News.

A spokesman for the New Jersey attorney general said Friday that his office would not confirm an investigation. The phone rang unanswered Sunday in a call to another spokesman.

Polumbo is to represent New Jersey in the next Miss America pageant.

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