LOS ANGELES — A woman accused of using dating apps to befriend elderly men before burglarizing their homes is now facing new allegations — this time for an audacious theft that reportedly took place during a live podcast recording.
Authorities say Adva Lavie, 29, who also goes by the alias Mia Ventura, has been linked to more than 10 burglary cases across Southern California. But her alleged crime during a Las Vegas podcast taping may be the most brazen yet.
A Bold Theft Caught in Plain Sight
Michael Sartain, the host of the popular show “Access Vegas Live,” said he invited Lavie to appear as a guest earlier this year. The show, which features discussions about relationships, dating, and social dynamics, frequently hosts panels with both men and women to talk about modern dating culture.
Sartain recalls that Lavie — who introduced herself as “Mia Ventura” — appeared friendly and charismatic when she first arrived at the studio. “She was polite, she was charming, she knew how to command attention,” he said.
But during the live taping, Sartain claims Lavie excused herself mid-show — and that’s when the alleged theft took place.
“At the 45-minute mark, she gets up and goes to the green room, where all the girls had left their purses,” Sartain said. “She proceeds for probably the next 23 minutes, rummaging through all their purses. She gets cash, credit cards — then she comes back to the show.”
He added that Lavie rejoined the panel seamlessly, showing no sign of guilt or nervousness. “She sits there, calm as a cucumber, talking to us like she didn’t just steal everyone’s stuff,” Sartain said.
Victims Realize the Theft Hours Later
One of the guests on the show, Eden Lynn, said she was among those who lost valuables that day. Lynn said her credit cards and $400 in cash were stolen, though she didn’t realize it until later that night when she tried to place an online order for her sick child.
“I placed a DoorDash order for medicine, and one of the medicines required me to show ID to the driver,” she said. “I noticed within a few hours, all my stuff was missing.”
According to Lynn, several other guests later discovered that their cards had been used for unauthorized purchases. The podcast team reviewed studio surveillance footage, which they claim shows Lavie entering the backstage area and rifling through handbags.
A Wider Pattern of Deception
The new allegations add to a growing list of crimes linked to Lavie, who is already under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for a string of burglaries involving elderly men she allegedly met on dating apps.
Detectives say Lavie targeted men through platforms like Tinder and Bumble, often presenting herself as a much younger woman interested in companionship. Once trust was established, she would allegedly visit their homes under the guise of romance — and leave with cash, jewelry, and other valuables.
Captain Dustin Karr with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department said the suspect’s methods were both “calculated and manipulative.”
“She would develop a connection, sometimes over several weeks,” Karr said. “Then she would pick the right moment to strike — often when the victim was distracted or vulnerable.”
More Than 10 Alleged Victims
Investigators believe Lavie may have victimized at least 10 elderly men across Los Angeles County and beyond. Her alleged pattern of targeting older, single men — many of whom lived alone — has led detectives to warn potential victims in neighboring jurisdictions as well.
Earlier this week, the Sheriff’s Department issued a special bulletin seeking additional victims and tips about Lavie’s whereabouts. She is described as approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing around 104 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Authorities say she may be driving one of two vehicles — a black Porsche SUV or a white Mercedes-Benz sedan — and may still be using aliases to conceal her identity.
The Podcast Community Reacts
Following news of Lavie’s alleged crimes, podcast host Sartain expressed frustration that someone could be so “cold and calculated” in front of cameras and dozens of people.
“It wasn’t just theft — it was betrayal,” Sartain said. “You bring people into a creative space, a trusting space, and to have that trust violated right under your nose… it’s shocking.”
The “Access Vegas Live” team has since cooperated with investigators, turning over video footage and guest lists to help identify and track Lavie’s movements before and after the show.
Public Safety Concerns
Law enforcement officials say the case underscores the importance of exercising caution when meeting people online, regardless of age or gender.
“These types of crimes are deeply personal because they exploit trust,” said Detective Lopez with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lost Hills Station. “We encourage anyone who believes they may have interacted with this suspect to come forward.”
Victims or witnesses are urged to contact Detective Lopez at 818-878-1808 or LAPD Detective Marsh at 818-374-9500. Tips can be given anonymously.
A Familiar Scheme with a Modern Twist
Experts say Lavie’s case fits a growing trend in what’s been dubbed “romance-enabled theft” — crimes that blend online dating with manipulation and financial exploitation.
“Criminals like this understand emotional psychology,” said cybersecurity and fraud analyst Dr. Rachel Kim. “They know how to appear trustworthy and create rapid intimacy. By the time victims realize what’s happened, the damage is already done.”
Dr. Kim added that modern dating culture, which increasingly involves meeting strangers through apps, creates opportunities for skilled con artists to exploit loneliness and vulnerability.
A Fugitive at Large
As of Friday, Lavie’s whereabouts remain unknown. Investigators have yet to confirm whether she is still in California or has fled the state.
Authorities are coordinating with law enforcement in Nevada and Arizona due to possible sightings and her known association with contacts in those areas.
With multiple potential victims and jurisdictions involved, prosecutors are expected to pursue grand theft and burglary charges, though the full extent of the case may depend on how many victims come forward.
Meanwhile, those who crossed paths with Lavie are left with a mix of anger and disbelief.
“She was sitting next to me, laughing, talking about relationships,” said one former podcast guest. “And all the while, she was stealing from us. You never think it’ll happen to you — until it does.”
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