Police probing Travolta extortion plot

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Lawyers for actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston say police in the Bahamas are looking into two individuals' alleged attempt to extort money from the couple.

The film stars' only son, Jett, died, reportedly of a seizure, on Jan. 2 at the age of 16 while on vacation with his family in the Bahamas. His body was cremated and ashes brought back to Florida where his parents and 8-year-old sister have a home and where his funeral was held.

The Jacksonville, Fla., Times-Union said details about the alleged extortion plot against the Travoltas -- including exactly what the suspects wanted or what they threatened to do if their demands were not met -- have not been disclosed.

The Tribune, a Bahamas newspaper, said police are questioning two people, one believed to be a politician, in their investigation.

The Times-Union quoted Travolta lawyers Mike Ossi and Howard Butler as saying in a statement: "Regrettably in a time of such terrible grief there are often a few individuals who attempt to make false claims in hopes of making millions of dollars. We will never let that happen."

Ossi and Butler added they have "the utmost confidence in the Bahamian police and government" as they conduct their investigation.