The realtor and his accomplice allegedly used open houses to target their victims, among whom were several celebrities
A Beverly Hills real estate agent has been charged with burglarizing celebrity homes, along with other residences, in a spree that lasted from 2016 to 2018, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Realtor Jason Emil Yaselli and his alleged accomplice, Benjamin Eitan Ackerman, have each been charged with 32 counts of money laundering, 12 counts of first-degree residential burglary, two counts of first-degree residential burglary with a person present, two counts of identity theft, one count of conspiracy to commit burglary and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition to the burglaries, Yaselli and Ackerman allegedly stole more than $500,000 through fraud and embezzlement.
According to the district attorney’s office, between December 2016 and August 2018 Yaselli encouraged Ackerman to steal luxury items from 14 homes, sell them and use the cash to make payments on Yaselli’s credit card. In many instances, Yaselli and Ackerman allegedly used open houses to identify targets, and even to commit the thefts.
Among the victims of the burglaries were musicians Usher Raymond and Adam Lambert, reality TV stars Paul and Dorit Kemsley, and former pro football player Shaun Phillips, the district attorney’s office said.
The prosecutor is recommending that bail for Yaselli be set at $1.73 million. If convicted he and Ackerman each face more than 31 years in prison.
