If I am not mistaken, neither occupation of the perpetrator, nor dollar amount demanded, is specified in the statute that defines blackmail. Perhaps I am blind, though, so would you point them out for me?
State laws vary, but the following is an example of a state blackmail statute: "21-3428. Blackmail. Blackmail is gaining or attempting to gain anything of value or compelling another to act against such person's will, by threatening to communicate accusations or statements about any person that would subject such person or any other person to public ridicule, contempt or degradation. Blackmail is a severity level 7, nonperson felony."
Meanwhile back in the real world no DA will prosecute a request for $80+ a new cell phone as blackmail. They are too busy