Paula Deen's Extortionist Arrested

A New York man is charged with threatening to reveal "true and damning" statements about Deen if he didn't get $250,000.

Thomas Paculis, 62, is said to have made contact with Deen's lawyer in June with threats.

Greg Hodges, attorney for Deen, then contacted the FBI, who encouraged further dialogue.

Eventually, the two are said to have gotten on the phone, and Paculis demanded $250,000. Hodges negotiated it down to $200,000.

Paculis is later said to have contacted Jackson's lawyer, Matthew Billips, and told him by e-mail, "Now the burning question is...do you want in...I still have the chance to bring this together, but time is slowly running out...I have them hooked, but reeling this sucker in is gonna be hard without help...give me a call..."

Paculis was arrested in Newfield, N.Y., where he lives. The defendant formerly resided in the Savannah and Augusta, Ga., areas.

According to reports, Deen told the FBI she didn't know him.

Read More.... http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/alleged-paula-deen-extortionist-arrested-581154

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