ATLANTA -- John Tabor may know more about murder suspect Gary Hilton than anyone else does. And he says what he knows "makes me sick to my stomach".

Tabor Saturday told Channel 2 Action News that Hilton worked for him "on and off" for the past ten years as a telemarketer for his siding business. And, at one point, Tabor said Hilton demanded ten thousand dollars from him.

Tabor said, "He told me he'd take half now, half later, if need be, but that I better give him the money or else". Tabor then ordered Hilton off his property and didn't hear from him for several months.

Fast forward to the first week of January, 2008. Tabor heard reports of a man wanted for questioning in connection with the disappearance of hiker Meredith Emerson in the north Georgia mountains.

Tabor realized the man wanted was Gary Hilton. He contacted the GBI and shared all he knew about the drifter.

Then, Tabor said, he got a phone call from Hilton, who said he was at a Waffle House in Pickens County. Hilton said he needed money. Tabor said he lured Hilton to DeKalb County with a promise of $800.

When Hilton returned to the county, he was spotted at a gas station. Witnesses called police, who swooped in and arrested him.

Tabor claimed to have played a key role in helping bring Gary Hilton to justice. He called Hilton "a monster", and lamented, "I just wish I could've done something sooner."