by LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Authorities are warning residents after a Los Angeles woman is accused of using dating apps to target mostly affluent elderly men and then burglarizing their homes, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).
Suspect Gains Trust Before Burglarizing Homes
The suspect, identified as Adva Lavie, also known as Mia Ventura, allegedly uses dating apps and websites to pose as a girlfriend or companion, gaining victims’ trust before committing theft, officials said.
Capt. Dustin Karr of the LASD stated that the investigation began nearly two weeks ago when one victim came forward. Since then, dozens of victims have contacted detectives, revealing a string of residential burglaries across Los Angeles County.
Previous Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Investigators learned that Lavie has prior charges filed by the Los Angeles Police Department for similar crimes and is currently out on bond for a separate case. While affluent elderly men appear to be her primary targets, Karr said that victims span multiple demographics.
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Lavie allegedly stole cash, credit cards, and easily concealable valuables from victims’ homes. Authorities are urging anyone who has had similar experiences with Lavie to come forward confidentially to assist with the investigation.
Authorities Seek Additional Victims
Capt. Karr emphasized the sensitive nature of the crimes and reassured potential victims:
“We respect your confidentiality. We understand the sensitive nature of what has occurred, and we want our victims to feel confident in telling us what happened to them and their story.”
No attorney information for Lavie is currently available, and the timeline for possible arrests or new charges remains unclear.
Residents are encouraged to exercise caution when meeting individuals through dating apps and report any suspicious activity to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Have you or someone you know been targeted in a similar scheme? Share your experiences in the comments at race-day-live.com.
