A Wyoming man has been charged with blackmail after allegedly threatening his half-sister, telling her he would fabricate a crime against her unless she handed over the cremated remains of their recently deceased father.
Scott Bailey, 61, faces two counts of blackmail following an investigation by the Sheridan Police Department. The bizarre dispute arose after the death of Albert Bailey Jr., 83, who passed away on Aug. 14 in Sheridan County without leaving a will.
Background
According to an affidavit obtained by Cowboy State Daily, Scott Bailey began leaving his half-sister threatening voicemails that same weekend. In the recordings, he claimed he would go to police and report that she committed an "atrocious act" unless she surrendered their father's ashes.
The half-sister told investigators that Scott Bailey was lying about the alleged crime. She said their father had wanted his wife, April Bailey, to keep possession of the cremated remains—his stated wish before he died. Under Wyoming state law, a deceased person's remains automatically go to their surviving spouse before adult children when no will exists.
The half-sister told police she had received a portion of the ashes from April Bailey and had incorporated them into jewelry as a way to honor her father.
The Investigation
In additional voicemails obtained by investigators, Scott Bailey allegedly threatened to come to his half-sister's home and "grab someone by the throat" if he did not receive the ashes. An officer who reviewed the recordings noted that Bailey used "very profane language" and appeared "extremely volatile and hostile."
When police interviewed April Bailey, she corroborated her stepdaughter's account, stating that Albert Bailey had wanted his wife to keep his ashes. She also told investigators that Scott Bailey had a volatile personality and a history of alcohol abuse.
Scott Bailey later came to the Sheridan Police Department with his wife and admitted to leaving the voicemails. He apologized for his actions and said he regretted not speaking with his half-sister in person rather than resorting to phone threats.
When questioned about the alleged "atrocious act" he planned to use as blackmail, Scott Bailey offered a startling admission: he told police it was a childhood memory that "could have been a dream." Regarding his threat of violence, he claimed it was "just a joke."
Key Takeaways
- Scott Bailey, 61, charged with two counts of blackmail in Sheridan County District Court
- Allegedly threatened to report fabricated crime against half-sister unless she surrendered father's ashes
- Father Albert Bailey Jr., 83, died Aug. 14 without a will; ashes went to his wife by state law
- Voicemails described by police as containing profanity and "extremely volatile" language
- Defendant admitted leaving voicemails but claimed the threats were "just a joke"
What's Next
Bailey remains scheduled for a court appearance on Sept. 21, when prosecutors must present probable cause for the case to proceed in Sheridan County District Court.