The extortion trial in which Sippola and Coss were accused of trying to extort money from actor John Stamos ended Thursday with two convictions
MARQUETTE -- The trial adjourned early Wednesday afternoon when the defense requested extra time to subpoena one last character witness; however, as soon as court was brought back into session on Thursday, the defense rested its case.
The government began its final arguments by first reviewing an extensive timeline of events, showcasing all of the different ways Coss and Sippola deceived Stamos. Asst. U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat told the jury how Coss and Sippola had played on Mr.. Stamos' trust and sympathy. Vermaat said all of the elements of blackmail were in place, and that this was a combination of several overt acts of extortion.
The question that has been on everyone's minds since the trial began is whether or not these compromising photos exist.
Vermaat outlined Stamos' testimony, in which he said they did not, and how it conflicted with both Coss and John Lane's, Coss' ex-boyfriend, testimonies, which had inconsistent descriptions with each other. No photos were ever sent despite multiple requests, and none were found in Coss and Sippola's Marquette Township home.
Vermaat went on to say that this was not a legitimate business transaction and that Coss and Sippola had the intent to extort all along.
Vermaat concluded his initial closing argument with the statement that "this affects his ability to trust in his fellow man."
Sarah Henderson, Scott Sippola's attorney, began her closing argument with the statement that, "Not all mistakes are illegal."
She went on to explain that Coss wanted to preserve her friendship with Stamos, and that Coss and Sippola were afraid of physical harm if Stamos found out the photos came from them. Henderson also said the FBI spared "no expense" when it came to this investigation, and that just because something looks bad, doesn't make it criminal. She also illustrated the point that Stamos said he never believed there were any pictures, but that the evidentiary e-mails said otherwise.
Henderson concluded by telling the jury that the pictures did exist, and she wasn't sure how, or why, they turned up missing.
Coss' attorney, Frank Stupak, added to the defense's closing argument by maintaining that the defendant's intent was not to harm Stamos' reputation.
In the final closing argument, Asst. U.S. Atty. Maarten Vermaat asked the jury if Coss and Sippola wanted to know how much the photos were worth, why did they never send them to anyone? He ended his request for conviction by saying to the jury, "Ladies and gentlemen, if this isn't blackmail, what is?"
The jury deliberated for almost five hours before returning three guilty verdicts each for Coss and Sippola--one count each of conspiracy and two counts each of extortion.
Stamos declined to speak on-camera, but issued a statement later saying, "These slanderous allegations made to smear my reputation were part of their defense to redirect attention away from the federal crime of extortion."
Stamos was in court Thursday morning for closing arguments, but arrived in the courtroom this afternoon just after the verdict had been read.
Coss and Sippola could both face up to nine years of prison time. Since they were not determined to be flight risks or threats to the community, they are both free on $20,000 bond until their sentencing.
The sentencing will be held October 8 at 9 a.m.
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