Judge Won't Lower Bail for Alleged Travolta Extortionist

Wed., Feb. 11, 2009 9:00 AM PST by Gina Serpe

Jerome Ware/ZUMAPress.com; Farreno Ferguson/ZUMAPress.com

A Bahamas judge isn't handing back the keys to Jett Travolta's accused ambulance driver just yet.

Bahamas Magistrate Carolita Bethel this morning rejected a request to lower bail for Tarino Lightbourne, who has been held in police custody since Jan. 23 on charges of conspiracy and attempting to extort millions from the grieving John Travolta and Kelly Preston in the wake of their son's death.

The 47-year-old Lightbourne, who drove the ambulance transporting Jett to the hospital, was seeking a reduction in his $50,000 bail. Lightbourne's alleged coconspirator, former Bahamian politician Pleasant Bridgewater, was released from custody last month after posting the same sum.

Both have pleaded not guilty.

The duo has been accused of attempting to extort upwards of $25 million from the mourning family by threatening to go public with a "refusal to transport" form, though in what context is unclear.

Jett Travolta died at the family's Bahamas vacation home on Jan. 2 after suffering a seizure.