Foster's dad slapped with additional grand theft charges

The charges against Jodie Foster's estranged father are piling up - California prosecutors have slapped him with four additional counts of grand theft relating to his alleged involvement in a property scam.

Lucius Fisher Foster III stands accused of offering to build 20 homes in California and taking deposits from prospective buyers in San Fernando Valley, but the construction work was never carried out and he reportedly pocketed the cash for himself.

The 89 year old allegedly cheated investors out of more than $100,000 and last week (ends11Nov11) he was charged with 17 misdemeanour counts of grand theft and seven of contracting without a license.

Foster, who is free on his own recognisance, has denied the accusations and maintains he still plans on following through with the building plans.

Appearing in court on Thursday (17Nov11), he told Judge Gregory A. Dohi, "They were people buying houses from me... There is no theft going on...

"I want to get this done. If I have to go to jail, I'll go to jail - and then I'll get back to work...I think I owe the world something. I'm going to finish these things one way or another.''

However, authorities subsequently added a further four grand theft charges to the case after discovering additional alleged victims, while at least three more counts are expected to be filed by the time of his next pre-trial hearing on 29 November (11).

Judge Dohi set a trial date for 30 November (11), although he encouraged Foster to resolve the matter before the court date.