This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Gay Porn Star Blackmailed Man For Over A Million Dollars And Sports Car, Feds Say
Gay porn star Jarec Wentworth is accused of blackmailing a wealthy man out of $500,000 and his Audi sports car under the threat of posting photos and details of his sex life.Teofil Brank, who performs as Wentworth, was arrested by FBI agents on March 4 in a sting operation at an El Segundo Starbucks. Brank met an undercover agent at the coffeshop who handed him the title to his victim's Audi R8 and told Brank there was a million dollars in the trunk. When he stepped outside, he was arrested by federal agents and a loaded revolver was found in his car, reports the L.A. Times.
According to an affidavit, Brank sent text messages to his victim, only known as D.B. in documents, on February 16 threatening to post pictures and details of his sex life on Twitter if he didn't hand over half a million dollars and his car. D.B. complied, but Brank continued to demand more, including a condo, and that's when he contacted the FBI.
"I'm just going to bite hard. I want a new car, motorcycle and both hands full of cash," read one of the text messages.
The identity of D.B. has become a point of contention in the case. A judge ordered prosecutors to reveal his real name last week, but D.B.'s attorney objected. Public defenders representing Brank say the public has a right to know and allege D.B. paid Brank for sex and to find him other partners. Federal prosecutors say that revealing his identity would subject him to "the very harm threatened by the defendant."
Brank is slated to appear in court on Thursday for a bail hearing, and faces two years in federal prison for extortion.
-
Cruise off the highway and hit locally-known spots for some tasty bites.
-
Fentanyl and other drugs fuel record deaths among people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County. From 2019 to 2021, deaths jumped 70% to more than 2,200 in a single year.
-
This fungi isn’t a “fun guy.” Here’s what to do if you spot or suspect mold in your home.
-
Donald Trump was a fading TV presence when the WGA strike put a dent in network schedules.
-
Edward Bronstein died in March 2020 while officers were forcibly taking a blood sample after his detention.
-
A hike can be a beautiful backdrop as you build your connection with someone.