Additional Coverage:
- L.A. woman uses dating apps to find elderly men and then burglarizes their homes, authorities say (nbcnews.com)
Los Angeles Woman Accused of Using Dating Apps to Target, Burglarize Elderly Men
Los Angeles authorities are investigating a woman accused of using dating applications to target and burglarize the homes of mostly affluent elderly men after establishing trust, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).
The LASD has issued a special bulletin seeking additional alleged victims of Adva Lavie, who they say utilized dating apps or sites to find her targets. She would reportedly pose “as a girlfriend or companion” before burglarizing their residences.
Capt. Dustin Karr with the sheriff’s department stated that the investigation began nearly two weeks ago after a victim came forward to file a report. Since then, “numerous victims have come forward,” with the department receiving “dozens of calls” and significant follow-ups from victims to detectives.
Lavie, who also uses the name Mia Ventura, has been identified as a suspect in a series of residential burglaries across Los Angeles County. Detectives learned that Lavie had previous charges filed by the Los Angeles Police Department for similar crimes and is currently out on bond stemming from a separate case.
While affluent elderly men “seem to be her primary demographic that she targets,” Capt. Karr noted that investigators have since discovered victims across “several demographics.” The alleged scheme has reportedly been ongoing “for some time” and spans multiple jurisdictions.
Lavie would allegedly take cash, credit cards, and valuables “that could be easily concealed or held” from the homes. The timing of a possible arrest or further charges against her remains unclear.
Authorities are urging anyone who has had similar experiences with Lavie to contact the sheriff’s department. Capt.
Karr emphasized that victim confidentiality will be respected. “We understand the sensitive nature of what has occurred, and we just want our victims to come forward and feel confident in telling us what happened to them and their story,” he said.