Charges Filed Against Paramedic In Travolta Extortion Plot

According to People.com, Bahamian paramedic Tarino Lightbourne, 47, was formally charged in relation to an alleged plot to extort $25 million from the grieving John Travolta and his family.

Lightbourne pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of attempting to extort and conspiracy to extort from the Travolta family after the death of their 16 year-old son, Jett, according to Bahamian Magistrate Carolita Bethel. He is currently in custody, awaiting a Wednesday bond hearing.

So far no details have been released about the plot itself, while investigators search for evidence. According to the Associated Press, authorities are afraid they may not find some evidence if Lightbourne is released.

Lightbourne, along with two others, was detained in relation to the alleged plot. Pleasant Bridgewater, a now resigned Bahamian senator was charged with "conspiracy to extort" and is scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday after being released Friday on $40,000 bail. Bridgewater has denied all charges against her.

Former Tourism Minister Obie Wilchombe, a close friend of the Travoltas, was arrested Friday but was released without being charged.

"Wilchcombe was released pending further investigation," according to the Acting Commissioner of the Royal Bahamian Police, Reginald Ferguson."

Lightbourne was the first paramedic to arrive on scene when Jett Travolta had a seizure on Jan. 2. Travolta died later that morning at a nearby hospital.