Carl Pavano Extortion Plot: Man Targeted Twins Pitcher, Cops Say

Minnesota Twins pitcher Carl Pavano may have been the target of extortion.

Christian Bedard, 36, a high school classmate of Pavano, claims to have carried on a three-year homosexual relationship with the Twins pitcher during high school, The Associated Press reports.

Bedard allegedly attempted to extort Pavano's sister, Michelle DeGennaro, in order to keep the alleged relationship secret, DeGennaro said.

Most states, including Connecticut, define extortion as using a threat of violence, property or reputation damage, or government prosecution in order to get money or property from another person.

Pavano's sister claims that Bedard, a real estate agent, sent her messages over Facebook requesting a navy Range Rover SUV with tan leather and a personal apology from Pavano. Bedard threatened that he would write a book about his alleged relationship with Pavano if DeGennaro didn't meet his demands, a Connecticut police search warrant affidavit reveals.

Bedard has since claimed that his alleged demand for the SUV was made "in jest." But that he did want an apology from Pavano because of how he was treated at the end of the supposed relationship with his "first love."

If DeGennaro's statements are true, a jury could very well find Bedard guilty of extortion. However, the case would likely hinge on whether Bedard really tried to get a Range Rover from Pavano's family.

Bedard demand for an apology from Pavano, even if true, most likely wouldn't be enough to find him guilty. That's because most courts probably wouldn't categorize an apology as any sort of monetary gain.

The story first came to light when DeGennaro filed a complaint with local authorities. Last week, police executed a search warrant on Bedard's home, which is owned by his mother.

Police haven't released a list of the items seized and Bedard hasn't been charged. But Bedard stated on his Facebook page that his laptop, the book he was writing about his alleged sexual relationship with Pavano, and other related materials were taken.

Pavano has declined to comment, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

So far, no other information has been released by police regarding the investigation into the possible Carl Pavano extortion.

Related Resources:

• Twins Pitcher Carl Pavano Was Target Of Extortion Attempt By High School Classmate (The Washington Post)
• Pavano was Target of Extortion (Minnesota Star Tribune)
• Extortion Law (FindLaw)