The Long Island couple busted for attempting to fake their own kidnapping wasn't asking for much: just $400 for the trouble. Zifiris "John" Valsamis called Stephanie Benatatos' parents, claiming kidnappers were holding their daughter hostage and wanted $400. Benatatos' mother called 911, and police quickly figured out what was going on. Suffolk County Police Detective Lt. Edward Reilly told the Daily News, "We just continued interviewing and eventually he admitted that this was a hoax." Why the need for money? The couple wanted to buy OxyContin for themselves.
Neighbors said the couple always seemed troubled. "I know a couple weeks ago there was a big fight over money," said Karen Boyle. However, Kelly Robinson, whose brother-in-law lives with Valsamis' mother, said Zifiris is "bad news. He's not really wanted on this street." The couple pleaded not guilty at their arraignment hearing yesterday. Valsamis' bail was set at $100,000 and Benatatos' bail was set at $25,000.
