Bahamas News

The story of the death of the son of actor John Travolta, who died in Grand Bahama after suffering a seizure, has taken a different twist as a Progressive Liberal Party senator has been arrested in connection with an alleged extortion attempt.

Senator Pleasant Bridgewater, who recently lost a battle in election court, might see another day in court for a more serious matter.

It was a somber mood in front of the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning as a number of the senator’s political supporters and family members assembled outside. It was rumored throughout Grand Bahama that the senator and former Member of Parliament for Marco City, would be facing serious criminal charges.

However, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Marvin Dames confirmed that the senator had been arrested on Thursday afternoon but charges are yet to be filed. He said she was taken from an “office” but would not confirm if it was her law firm.

“She was arrested at 4:30 yesterday (Thursday) afternoon and yes, she was taken into custody with respect to a complaint of alleged attempted extortion made by the Travolta family. We had initiated an investigation early in the week … the investigation is currently ongoing and we have yet to make any determination as to where the matter will end,” Mr. Dames said.

“As you would appreciate, as in the case of any investigation, we have to see people, talk to them and at the end of the day make some determination as to their involvement or otherwise,” he said.

Assistant Commissioner Dames said evidence is still being examined and more arrests could follow.

“No charges have been filed and we have yet to conclude the investigations and therefore, no-one has been charged to this point. We are investigating the matter and as in any investigation we will certainly see other persons to determine to what extent they may be involved,” Assistant Commissioner Dames said.

“We most certainly will have to see other people. That would be determined as we continue our investigations. I don’t intend to get into the evidence or the facts of the investigation. The investigators continue in their work and we have yet to make any determination as to what will happen at the end of the day,” he said.

Sources have confirmed that the Senator is being held at the Central Police Station at the Gerald Bartlett Police Complex and has retained attorney Carlson Shurland.

Jett Travolta was pronounced dead on arrival at the Rand Memorial Hospital, January 2. An autopsy report revealed that the youngster died as a result of a seizure. He was last seen alive on January 1, when he went to use the bathroom. The caretaker, Jeff Michael Kathrain, discovered him in the bathroom in an unconscious state around 10:00 a.m. on January 2.

Initial police reports indicated that the youngster arrived on Grand Bahama on December 30, 2008, aboard a private aircraft, accompanied by his father and mother Kelly Preston. They were staying at Travolta’s suite #1021 at the Old Bahama Bay Resort.

PLP Leader Perry Christie issued a statement that said he is monitoring the situation.

“I have been monitoring all developments throughout the day with regard to Senator Bridegwater. I take this matter seriously. I have no intention of engaging in any speculation. I am to be further advised as to the legal position. Once that is clear I shall forthwith inform the public of any further course of action,” he said.

Source: Bahama Journal