LOS ANGELES — John Stamos is the latest celebrity to fall victim to an apparent extortion scheme.
The former Full House star was allegedly blackmailed for $680,000 by a Michigan couple who threatened to sell what they deemed as compromising photos of the actor to the tabloids, according to an FBI affidavit obtained by The Smoking Gun.
Allison Coss, 23, and Scott Sippola, 30, of Marquette were arrested last Wednesday after an FBI raid of their home turned up three photos of Stamos, a piece of paper with his cell phone number, and a list of three tabloid magazines with contact numbers for each.
Stamos, 46, is simply referred to as “Mr. X, an actor” in the Dec. 3 dated documents. The photos in question were allegedly snapped during a 2004 party in Florida that Stamos, Coss and Sippola all attended. Stamos and Coss have kept in contact via email ever since, the document states.
Last month, Stamos allegedly starting receiving e-mails from a man who identified himself as “Brian L,” who eventually demanded a $680,000 payoff in exchange for not releasing the photos. During that time, Coss indicated in emails to Stamos that she was aware of the plot. The actor’s lawyer responded by contacting authorities on Nov. 28, leading to a sting operation that resulted in the arrests.
Coss and Sippola have since been released on bond. They have been ordered to refrain from contacting Stamos.
Stamos’s rep told People that the plot centered around less than juicy material.
“The photos in question are photos of John posing with fans,” said the rep. “At the conclusion of the investigation and hearing, the photos will be available and the public will be able to see that the photos are simply John posing with fans.”
Other stars who have been targeted in recent extortion schemes include Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, and late-night host David Letterman.
Click here for the legal documents and mugshots of the alleged extortionists.
