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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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'Juror Leak' Sparks Travolta Mistrial

Alleged extortionists to face new trial after word of acquittal gets out

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(Newser) – A Bahamian judge ordered a mistrial in the John Travolta extortion case yesterday after a loose-lipped juror apparently spread word that one of the two accused would be acquitted. The judge blamed juror misconduct after a local politician made a speech saying that a former senator—charged along with a paramedic of trying to extort $25 million from Travolta over his son's death—was "a free woman." The pair will be tried again, the New York Daily News reports.

Paramedic and alleged extortionist Tarino Lightbourne speaks on his cell phone as he arrived in court in Nassau, Bahamas, last month.
Paramedic and alleged extortionist Tarino Lightbourne speaks on his cell phone as he arrived in court in Nassau, Bahamas, last month.   (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)
Former Bahamian Sen. Pleasant Bridgewater arrives at the court building in Nassau, Bahamas, last month. Bridgewater is accused of trying to extort money from John Travolta.
Former Bahamian Sen. Pleasant Bridgewater arrives at the court building in Nassau, Bahamas, last month. Bridgewater is accused of trying to extort money from John Travolta.   (AP Photo/Hendricks McIntosh)
John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston leave the court building in Nassau, Bahamas, last month.
John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston leave the court building in Nassau, Bahamas, last month.   (AP Photo/Hendricks McIntosh)
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JoeQ
Oct 22, 09 11:55 AM CDT
Could be a defense tactic. Cause a mistrial to drag out the proceedings in order to increase their chances of acquittal later. One of the defendants is well connected and the Bahamas is a small place. Reply
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