Woman 'Mysteriously' Dies Months After Being Charged Alongside Parents In Extortion Plot

ROMULUS (WWJ/AP) - A 25-year-old Westland woman has died, months after she was charged with her parents in an alleged scheme to extort more than $2 million from a Detroit-area businessman whom she met in a strip club.

Jessica Tackett died unexpectedly on Monday. The Wayne County Medical Examiner's office said the cause of death is still being investigated. She had been free on a $10,000 unsecure bond while awaiting trial on charges of conspiracy to obstruct justice.

Tackett was indicted in March along with her parents, Terry and Kim. The indictment says Terry Tackett threatened to go to police in 2008 to expose a software executive's sexual relationship with an underage female. The man had met Jessica Tackett during what prosecutors described as a "chance encounter" while she was working as a topless dancer.

According to the indictment, the man gave Terry Tackett more than $2.6 million in cash and checks from 2008 to 2012 to keep his secret quiet.

Terry Tackett faces most of the charges, including money laundering and tax evasion. Kim Tackett is charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice. Trial is set for January.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.