Jodie Foster's Estranged Dad Accused Of Bilking Investors Out Of More Than $130K

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Jodie Foster's estranged father is facing criminal charges in an alleged housing scam in the San Fernando Valley.

Lucius Fisher Foster III is accused of bilking two dozen investors out of more than $130,000. Prosecutors say he promised to build them low-cost modular homes but pocketed their $5,000 down payments.

The alleged victims say the 89-year-old initially won them over by telling them he was the father of the Oscar winning actress.

"The victims tell us that that's part of his scam to get them to trust him and that's why they think that he's using his daughter's name," said Deputy City Attorney Don Cocek.

Foster's trial is set to begin at the end of the month. He could face more than 20 years in prison, if convicted.

Prosecutors say his daughter has nothing to do with the case.