Former “Full House” star John Stamos claims he was the target of an extortion plot, Access Hollywood has confirmed.
According to a federal affidavit obtained by Access, Stamos claims two alleged blackmailers threatened to sell photographs of the actor taken at a party unless Stamos paid the pair $680,000.
The alleged blackmailers – identified as Allison Lenore Coss, 23; and Scott Edward Sippola, 30 – were arrested last week in an FBI sting operation after meeting with an undercover FBI agent who had posed as a rep for the actor during a money drop at a Michigan airport.
Stamos – who is only referred to as “Mr. X” in the affidavit obtained by Access – met Coss in 2004 while he was vacationing in Florida and the two attended a party together, where the photos in question were taken.
After leaving Florida, Stamos and Coss continued to keep in touch over e-mail, according to the affidavit.
It wasn’t until November this year that Stamos allegedly began receiving threats via e-mail from an individual identified as “Brian L” who said he’d release the photos if the actor didn’t pay up.
There is no indication in the affidavit about what is pictured in the photos, however, Stamos claims he was told they would “cause harm” to his reputation.
A rep for Stamos, who currently stars in the Broadway production of “Bye Bye Birdie,” told People the photos were not racy and only showed the star posing with fans.
“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,” the rep said.
After he began receiving the alleged blackmail threats, an attorney for Stamos alerted the FBI.
Following their arrest, a raid of Coss and Sippola’s home uncovered three photographs of Stamos, a piece of paper with the actor’s cell phone number on it, as well as the contact numbers for three tabloid publications, according to the affidavit.
Coss and Sippola have posted bond and the case is still pending.
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