A Los Angeles-area model and influencer accused of stealing from older men she met online in LA County will remain in jail until her trial — just a day after making another court appearance for a separate theft allegation from Riverside County.
Adva Lavie, who often introduces herself as Mia Ventura, was arrested this week in Beverly Hills on felony arrest warrant from Riverside County. Police said Lavie had stolen a man’s Rolex watch, Louis Vuitton sunglasses and Louis Vuitton money clip while staying at his Indio Airbnb during the 2025 Coachella Music Festival.
When Beverly Hills police took her into custody, they noticed her electronic ankle monitor was missing. Lavie had been bailed out in March based on the condition that she wears the ankle monitor while staying away from her victims.
The judge ruled Friday that Lavie should be held without bail after finding that she repeatedly violated court orders, including by removing her electronic ankle monitor.
“Nothing can ensure she’ll show up in court,” the judge said, citing concerns that Lavie posed a flight risk. “She wants to have it her way all the time.”
During Friday’s hearing, a witness testified that Lavie was not wearing her ankle monitor when she saw her, prompting an angry reaction from the defendant.
As the witness discussed her engagement during her testimony, Lavie interrupted, shouting, “She’s not engaged.” When the bailiff attempted to restore order, Lavie then claimed loudly, “She’s a drunk,” referring to the witness.
In another unusual moment during the hearing, Lavie requested a Hebrew interpreter, although several people in the courtroom, including the interpreter, said she spoke fluent English.
Friday’s hearing was a bail review stemming from charges filed in March. Lavie has pleaded not guilty to two counts of unauthorized use of personal identifying information, two counts of grand theft, one count of first-degree residential burglary with a person present and one count of first-degree residential burglary.
Jeremy Lessem, Lavie’s attorney, spoke outside the Van Nuys courthouse after the hearing, saying he is “proud to represent her.”
“Adva has gone through a lot in her life. She’s a work in progress. She’s not perfect. She’s made mistakes, but she’s doing the best she can. She’s improving,” Lessem said. “And obviously the judge made a decision today. We respect it completely, but it doesn’t change our perspective on the case.
Los Angeles County investigators believe Lavie stole from at least 10 wealthy older men. But authorities also accuse her of developing relationships with people she met on dating apps, including younger women, across Westlake Village, West Hollywood, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills between 2023 and 2025. According to investigators, Lavie posed as a girlfriend and travel companion to gain access to victims’ homes and steal cash, gold and designer items.
If convicted as charged, Lavie faces up to 11 years and eight months in state prison.
