A Newfield, N.Y. man today pleaded not guilty in federal court to an extortion scheme targeting Savannah celebrity-chef Paula Deen.
Thomas George Paculis, 62, will be allowed to remain free on a $10,000 unsecured bond, U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Robert Smith ruled during an inital appearance-arraignment.
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Paculis is charged in a two-count federal indictment with extortion by using interstate communication in attempts to extort money from Deen. He was arrested in New York July 5 and has been allowed to remain free on bond since then.
Paculis used to live in Savannah and Augusta, and indicated that he had information that would bring hardship and financial ruin, federal officials said.
As conditions of his bond, Smith told Paculis he is to have no contact with Deen or any businesses owned or operated by Deen, and he is barred from excessive use of alcohol while on bond.
"I know there's a history of that," Smith said.
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