Paramedic charged in Travolta plot

Jan 27, 2009, 8:55 GMT

Tarino Lightbourn pleaded not guilty to the charges yesterday (26.01.09), according to Bahamian Magistrate Carolita Bethel. © Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

A Bahamian paramedic has been formally charged in connection with the alleged plot to extort $25 million from John Travolta.

Tarino Lightbourn pleaded not guilty to the charges yesterday (26.01.09), according to Bahamian Magistrate Carolita Bethel.

Although details of the plot are yet to be released, prosecutor Bernard Turner has revealed the police are looking for a "specific document".

It is believed the plot centres around a photograph taken of John's 16-year-old son Jett - who passed away following a seizure in the Bahamas on January 2 - while he was on his way to hospital.

Officers believe they won't be able to find the "specific document" if Lightbourn is released - he is currently being held in custody in Nassau ahead of a bail hearing on Wednesday (28.01.09).

Lightbourn was the first paramedic who arrived to treat Jett after his seizure.

Police have spoken to two other people in connection to the plot - Grand Bahama's Senator Pleasant Bridgewater and former Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchombe, who is a long-term friend of the Travoltas.

Bridgewater was charged with "conspiracy to extort" and has been released on $40,000 bail. She has since resigned from her position.

She said: "I assure the Bahamian people of my complete and total innocence. I am satisfied that when the full story comes out that I shall be fully vindicated."

Wilchombe has been released without charge and strongly protests his innocence, calling the claims "ridiculous and absurd".

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