Celeb News » Foster's Father Accused Of Property Scam

Jodie Foster's father has been charged with 17 counts of grand theft over his alleged part in a property scam.

Lucius Fisher Foster Iii, who is estranged from his famous daughter, allegedly offered to build 20 homes in California and took deposits from prospective buyers, but the construction work was never carried out.

The 89 year old is accused of cheating his investors out of more than $100,000 (£62,500) and is facing 17 counts of grand theft and seven of contracting without a licence.

Deputy City Attorney Don Cocek says, "(He) told at least half the victims that he is Jodie's father as part of the scam to build up trust... no house was ever built."

Foster, who is free on his own recognisance, denies the charges and a pretrial hearing has been set for 17 November (11), according to the Associated Press.