Alleged Extortionist Appeals For Help

Former Grand Bahama ambulance driver Tarrino Lightbourne said he has not worked for a year.

Lightbourne was fired shortly after he and former Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Senator Pleasant Bridgewater, were charged with conspiring and attempting to extort the money from the A-list actor following the death of Travolta’s teenage son, Jett.

Jett suffered a seizure at his family’s vacation home in Grand Bahama.

Bridgewater is also charged with abetment.

"Everything is backed up right now," Lightbourne told reporters.

"My house is in foreclosure. The kids and everybody else are hurting and I am appealing to the general public for some financial assistance with my attorney fees."

Lightbourne’s attorney Carlson Shurland took on the initial case pro bono.

However, a retrial was ordered in the case after PLP South Andros MP Picewell Forbes announced at the PLP’s convention last October that Bridgewater was a "free woman." However, jurors were still deliberating at the time. The announcement caused the judge to declare a mistrial.

Mr. Shurland was pushing for the retrial to take place in Grand Bahama, citing that his client’s financial position has not improved since the beginning of the original trial last September.

But the case will be heard before Senior Supreme Court Justice Jon Isaacs in New Providence on September 6.

"All of the bills I have are unpaid," Lightbourne said.

"Things are rough, which is why I wanted the trial to be held in Freeport where I live. Anytime there is a hearing, I have to fly to New Providence and when the trial begins again, I will have to find somewhere to stay, food to eat and other essentials."

Lightbourne said he can be contacted at 242-442-9277 or 242-533-6072.