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A Texas man who says he might be a descendant of Santa Claus has been charged with extortion against the University of New Mexico.

William Powell, 73, of McAllen, Texas, was arrested Wednesday after UNM police say he sent a fax to a university student organization demanding $10,000 be deposited into his checking account.

Powell is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in lieu of $5,000 bail.

UNM Police Lt. Pat Davis said Powell has been harassing UNM faculty and student organizations almost daily since the spring.

In general, Davis said, Powell is asking for money he believes is owed to him because of former employment at another New Mexico university several years ago.

This is the second time Powell has been arrested for harassing UNM faculty, according to a Metro Court criminal complaint.

He was arrested July 3 after being accused of threatening violence against UNM officials. Powell was jailed, but bonded out and returned to Texas, Davis said.

"After the first incident, we have been keeping in contact with him," said Davis. "In this case, he contacted us and told us he intended to travel back to Albuquerque."

Powell, who has a white beard and long white hair, often signs his faxes "Santa Claus" or "St. Nicholas." "He believes he might be a descendant of Santa Claus," Davis said.

Davis said UNM officers don't believe Powell poses any great harm or threat. But he has been advised by UNM police not to contact faculty or organizations.