“Cooking up?” Did I really just write that in a headline about a chef? Ugh, that’s terrible. But at least I didn’t say “will leave a bad taste in your mouth,” right? Anyhow. Let’s meet Shawn Lightfoot (yes, that’s his real name), the 46-year-old supposed executive chef who was just arrested for allegedly blackmailing a married Detroit businessman with photos of him having a gay sex romp.
Things aren’t looking good for Lightfoot: He was arrested, found guilty, and sent to prison in 2004 for a similar scheme in 2003 involving a New York visiting businessman. This time around, he’s accused of trying to get $25,000 to keep secret the photos he has of the Michigan man in a Washington-area hotel room — that, uh, Lightfoot might have taken himself.
While on a business trip last month to Washington, D.C., a married Michigan man was awoken one morning when an unidentified caller dialed his hotel room. The caller announced that he was in possession of photos showing the businessman “participating in homosexual acts from the evening before,” and demanded $25,000 in hush money, or the images would be forwarded to the man’s wife and business associates.
Upon flying back to Detroit and conferring with his spouse, the man contacted the FBI about the shakedown plot. While claiming not to recall any “homosexual liaison” in his hotel room, the man told investigators that he “felt woozy and unclear” the morning after the purported encounter. He also reported that his $20,000 Rolex was missing, along with a credit card and $200 in cash.
The FBI got involved, witnessed Lightfoot making phone calls to the vicitm, and bam, he’s arrested and headed to Michigan to face charges. According to the FBI’s affidavit, relays The Smoking Gun, “the images showed the businessman (who is referred to as ‘Victim 1’) in ‘compromising positions with a man.’ One image, an agent noted, showed ‘a black male’s hand holding Victim 1’s driver’s license,’ while in another photo, ‘Victim 1 is leaning over a sink and the black male’s hand is placed on his back.'”
Jack
I can only feel so much sympathy for someone who spends $20,000 on a watch.
Phil
You realize that watches can be family heirlooms as well as a status symbol that some people spend -decades- saving up to afford, right?
But, y’know, in tradition of being a stereotypically snarky gay male, people who wear a Rolex while not diving are (bad) social ladder climbing douches.
Jack
@Phil: I’m familiar with the concept of a watch, yes. But personally, I find the idea of spending $20,000 obscene. Is it THAT much better than a $50 watch?
I’d spend $20,000 on a watch if it had the ability to control time…
Jon
Who gives a fuck about the watch? Just be glad this scum is in jail.
Tommy
He wasn’t really a chef, at least an employed one. He wasn’t working currently at any restaurant. He had a degree from a culinary school. That’s pretty much all.
Lightfoot
@Tommy: And you know this how? lls you should shut your mouth about details you dont know, Shawn Lightfoot was very well employed by TWO companies. Yes, he did some dumb ass shit as far as this case goes but, dont speak of what you dont know thanks!!!!!
Signed,
HIS DAUGHTER
Lightfoot
@Jon: People are so quick judge based on one’s mistakes. Shut the hell up and get some damn business Jon!!!!!
Signed HIS DAUGHTER