November 5, 2024 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Porn star to seek bail in alleged blackmail scheme

(Thinkstock)
(Thinkstock)

A porn star who allegedly blackmailed a wealthy Los Angeles man out of $500,000 and a sports car by threatening to expose details of his sexual liaisons is expected to ask a judge today for bail while awaiting trial.

Teofil Brank — who performs under the name Jarec Wentworth in adult films and on gay porn sites — was arrested March 4 by FBI agents after he allegedly attempted to further extort $1 million and a condominium from the victim, who is identified only by the initials D.B., according to documents filed in Los Angeles federal court.

Brank, 25, of Sacramento, is charged with transmitting threatening communications with the intent to extort, a federal charge carrying a possible prison sentence of up to two years.

According to court records, Brank allegedly threatened on Feb. 16 to post sexually explicit photographs and private information about D.B. on social media if he did not provide money, a motorcycle and the title to his Audi R8 luxury sports car.

“I want a new car, motorcycle, and both hands full of cash,” Brank texted to the victim, according to an affidavit prepared by an FBI agent who investigated the case. The victim transferred $500,000 to Brank the next day, prosecutors allege.

Two weeks later, an FBI agent posing as the victim’s friend met with Brank at a Starbucks in El Segundo and handed over title to the Audi and discussed transfer of the $1 million, according to the affidavit.

The agent lured Brank outside by stating the money was in the trunk of his car and, once outside, other agents arrested the performer, the affidavit states. A loaded handgun was found inside Brank’s car, according to the document.

Brank, who was denied bail on grounds that he’s a flight risk, remains in custody. His attorneys last week filed an application for reconsideration of the order and a bail-review hearing is scheduled to resume today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael R. Wilner.

Related Posts

The Willows: 30 Years Going Strong

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Founded in 1994, The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational...

Election Day Freebies and Discounts: Where to Eat, Drink, and Watch Election Results

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

From Free Doughnuts To Watch Parties, How To Unwind With Election Night Deals With this election day being one of...

Early Morning Call From Community Leads to Burglary Arrest in Culver City

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Police Respond To Suspicious Activity Call, Arrest Suspect With Pickaxe Culver City police arrested a man early Friday morning in...

Culver City Police Department is Prepared to Ensure Community Safety During Election Week

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Enhanced Patrols, Activated Emergency Center Ready, Culver City Voting Center is Open The Culver City Police Department has announced an...

Legendary Music Icon Quincy Jones Dies at 91 in Bel Air

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Celebrated Musician, Producer Leaves an Indelible Legacy By Dolores Quintana Legendary musician, music producer, film and television producer, composer of...

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Lays Off Longtime Archive and Library Staff

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Downsizing and Restructuring Continue, Affecting Employees with Decades of Service By Dolores Quintana Last week, the Academy of Motion Picture...

LA County Opens 526 New Vote Centers for Early Voting, Announces Conditional Voting for Unregistered Residents

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

Metro LA Offers Free Rides on Election Day to Help Residents Get to the Polls Los Angeles County opened an...

New Aviation/Century Station Opens, Linking Metro’s C and K Lines

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

Metro’s Newest Station Paves the Way for Future LAX Transit Center The new Aviation/Century Station officially opened this week, marking...

H5N1 Detected in LA County Wastewater, Health Officials Urge Precautions for Residents

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

Los Angeles County Investigates Low-Level H5 Avian Flu Detected in Wastewater The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is...

Two Events in Culver City This Weekend: Bike Registration and Dance Performance

November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

Put the Brakes on Bicycle Theft and Enjoy an Evening of Dance and Interactive Art The Culver City Police Department...

All You Need to Know to Attend the Dodgers Victory Parade Tomorrow in DTLA

November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

World Champions and LA’s Team to Greet Angelenos After Win of NY Yankees The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that their...

Beverly Hills City Government Agrees to a Stipulated Judgment After Blocking Abortion Clinic Opening

November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

City to Implement Training, Oversight on Reproductive Rights Following Legal Settlement  California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a legal agreement...

Dia De Los Muertos 2024: Here’s Where To Celebrate The Holiday Tradition This Weekend

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Los Angeles Has a Variety of Ways to Explore Latino Culture and Honor Ancestors Starting just after Halloween, Dia de...

(Video) Downtown L.A. Reacts to World Series Victory

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

The Dodgers Are World Series Champs For The Eighth Time https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFtyDDKn/

Halloween Pre-Game Party Brings Chills and Spooky Thrills to The Rose Venice

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Enjoy Halloween With Festive Cocktails, Appetizers, and a Costume Contest The Rose Venice in Venice is set to host a...