Judge refuses to lower extortionist’s bail

A judge in the Bahamas has refused a request to lower the bail of the ambulance driver accused of trying to extort 25 million US dollars from US film star John Travolta.



Magistrate Carolita Bethel said Tarino Lightbourne, 47, could make another attempt to have his 50 thousand dollar bail reduced if it is not met by April 16.



Lightbourne was one of the paramedics who unsuccessfully tried to revive Travolta’s 16 year old son, Jett, after he suffered a seizure at the family’s vacation home on January 2.



He has been held behind bars since his arrest on January 23 on charges of attempted extortion and conspiracy to extort money.



A former local lawmaker, Pleasant Bridgewater, also faces charges of conspiracy to extort money.



She was released last month on 50 thousand dollars bail.



Although the woman has been arguing her innocence in the matter, she has resigned her Senate seat as a result of the criminal charges.