Gay Porn Star, 25, Accused Of Blackmailing $500K From Wealthy L.A. Businessman, 50
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Authorities are accusing a 25-year-old gay porn star of blackmailing and extorting a wealthy LA businessman out of more than $500,000.
Teofil Brank, who goes by the name Jarec Wentworth, also requested a sports car and a condo, officials said.
The wealthy businessman was not identified in court documents other than by the initials D.B.
Prosecutors said Wentworth of Sacramento threatened to expose details of sexual liaisons he had with D.B.
Brank, arrested March 4, is expected to ask for bail Thursday while he awaits trial.
Officials said Brank was arrested by the FBI when he attempted to get more money (another $1 million) and a condo from D.B.
Brank is charged with transmitting threatening communications with the intent to extort, a federal count carrying a possible prison sentence of up to two years.
According to court documents, Brank 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 an 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 D.B.'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.
In a sting, the agent lured Brank outside by telling him the cash was in the trunk of his car.
Authorities said a loaded handgun was found in Brank's car.
The actor model is popular on porn sites including SeanCody and Men.com.
Brank was initially denied bail as a possible flight risk and remains in custody. However, his attorneys last week filed an application for reconsideration of the order and a bail-review hearing is scheduled to resume Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael R. Wilner.
