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 porn 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 — a Sacramento man — threatened to expose details of sexual liaisons he had with D.B.
Brank — arrested on March 4 — is expected to ask for bail Thursday while he awaits trial.
Wentworth was initially denied bail due to risk of flight 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.
Officials said Brank was arrested by the FBI when he attempted to get more money (another $1 million) and a condo from D.B.
The suspect 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 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 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 $500K 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 allegedly telling him the cash was the money was in the trunk of his car.
Authorities said a loaded handgun was found inside Brank’s car.
The actor model is popular on porn sites including SeanCody and Men.com.
Brank was initially denied bail (due to being 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.
