Model accused of stealing from wealthy men back in jail
By Judy Abel · Thu Aug 06 2026
An alleged dating app thief with Malibu victims is behind bars after being re-arrested on a new felony theft warrant. Adva Lavie is a Los Angeles model accused of stealing from wealthy men she met on websites.
The 29-year-old, who also uses the name Mia Ventura, was taken into custody July 28 by the Beverly Hills Police Department on a felony warrant stemming from a separate Riverside County investigation. Authorities allege Lavie stole more than $10,000 worth of luxury items, including a Rolex watch and Louis Vuitton accessories, from a victim’s vehicle during a 2025 incident in Indio. The arrest comes as Lavie awaits trial in Los Angeles County on multiple felony charges, including grand theft and residential burglary. Prosecutors allege she targeted affluent men she met through dating apps and “sugar daddy” websites, gaining their trust before stealing cash, jewelry, credit cards and other luxury items from their homes.
Among the communities where prosecutors say the alleged crimes occurred is Malibu, along with Westlake Village, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Los Angeles. Investigators contend Lavie posed as a romantic partner or travel companion to gain access to victims and their valuables. She has pleaded not guilty to the pending charges.
Following her latest arrest, prosecutors also filed a misdemeanor charge alleging Lavie violated the conditions of her earlier release by removing her court-ordered GPS ankle monitor. A Los Angeles County judge subsequently ordered her held without bail pending further court proceedings.
Detectives have previously urged additional victims to come forward, saying they believe more thefts may be linked to the investigation.
Despite the latest allegations, Lavie’s attorney, Michael Goldstein, said the defense’s position remains unchanged.
“She made mistakes, but she’s doing the best she can,” Goldstein said. “It doesn’t change our perspective on the case. It doesn’t change the way that we feel this case should be resolved.”
The new Riverside County allegations are separate from the Los Angeles County prosecution, where Lavie remains accused of carrying out a series of thefts targeting wealthy men in some of Southern California’s most affluent communities.
Update: August 13: Model and accused thief remains in jail
A model and alleged thief has been denied a request for a mental health diversion program and remains behind bars in Los Angeles. Attorneys for Adva Lavie, who also goes by the name Mia Ventura, say their client suffers from a series of psychiatric disorders after years of childhood abuse. The attorneys told a Superior Court judge that Lavie’s trauma resulted in PTSD and that a diversion program was the right solution in her case. Last week after Lavie’s rearrest on burglary charges, her lawyers said she was “a work in progress.” A Los Angeles judge denied their request, leaving the former model in custody.
Prosecutors say Lavie targeted wealthy older men to date, including as many as ten in Malibu. After gaining their confidence and access to their homes, law enforcement authorities claim she robbed victims. In one case alone, investigators say Lavie stole $125,500 worth of currency, designer clothes, and watches from a 78-year-old man. She’s also alleged to have asked that same victim for $25,000 to cover funeral expenses for her mother who “is still very much alive,” according to investigators. In addition to her elderly victims, Lavie, 29, is accused of stealing designer purses from friends and acquaintances.
Lavie has pleaded not guilty to all charges. She faces up to 11 years in prison if convicted.