Jodie Foster's elderly father put behind bars

Jodie Foster’s parents parted ways three years before she was born, so it’s no surprise that she doesn’t have a healthy relationship with him. However, if she ever wanted to patch things up with him, now is probably not the best time.

The Los Angeles Times reported the actress’s 89-year-old estranged father was sentenced to five years in jail Friday for fraud.

According to People, Lucius Foster took $130,000 in down payments from almost two dozen people for homes he never built.

He told his low-income clients that he would build 2,000 square-foot homes for them in the San Fernando Valley and required $5,000 down payments from them.

The building contractor, who is based in Sherman Oaks, California, was charged with 21 counts of grand theft and nine counts of contracting without a license and could have been sentenced a maximum of 25 years.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Dohi said a jail sentence was necessary because even after his trial, Lucius continued his scheming ways by emailing a new client and asking about available land.

"Despite your personal charm, you are dangerous," Dohi said.

L.A. city attorney Frank Mateljan reflected Dohi’s opinion, saying Lucius was able to trick his clients through lies, war stories and that “charm.”

In February, he will be back in court for a restitution hearing.