A Hollywood actress finest recognized for roles in Blown Away, Predator 2 and The Silencers admitted to serving to her fugitive tech CEO boyfriend dodge federal authorities after he fled the US fairly than face jail for a multimillion-dollar fraud that duped buyers in a celebrity-backed startup.
Lucinda Jane Weist Manera also called Lucy Weist, pleaded responsible Monday to at least one felony depend of being an adjunct after the very fact after admitting she helped convicted fraudster Bernhard Eugen Fritsch evade seize, funded his time on the run in Mexico and even researched how he may escape to Germany, the place extradition of residents is mostly prohibited.
The actress, who was beforehand married to director Jim Manera — who directed and co-wrote the 2014 political drama Atlas Shrugged Half III: Who Is John Galt? — faces as much as 5 years in federal jail.
The 63-year-old, who The Put up can reveal is the Predator 2 star, knowingly assisted Fritsch after he was convicted by a federal jury in April 2025 of wire fraud, in response to the U.S. Division of Justice.
Fritsch, 64, the founder and CEO of Santa Monica-based StarClub Inc., was discovered responsible of orchestrating a scheme that swindled buyers out of greater than $20 million between 2014 and 2017 by falsely selling his celebrity-focused know-how firm.
His startup marketed an app referred to as StarSite, claiming it will permit celebrities and social media influencers to monetize their model endorsements and social media posts.
To draw buyers, prosecutors mentioned Fritsch falsely claimed the corporate had earned thousands and thousands in income and was on the verge of profitable partnerships, investments and buyout affords from main leisure corporations, together with Disney.
The flashy entrepreneur additionally cultivated a celeb picture round StarClub, internet hosting glitzy Hollywood occasions attended by stars together with Tyrese Gibson, who hosted a non-public celebration for the corporate in 2014.
Singer Enrique Iglesias was additionally linked to the enterprise, whereas actresses Caitlin O’Connor and Elise Neal, rapper Trinidad James and mannequin Khadija Neumann attended promotional occasions.
However prosecutors mentioned the enterprise was little greater than a automobile to bankroll Fritsch’s extravagant way of life.
As a substitute of investing the cash into the corporate’s know-how, Fritsch spent thousands and thousands renovating his multimillion-dollar Malibu mansion and shopping for luxurious toys, together with a McLaren supercar, a Rolls-Royce and a yacht.
Federal authorities later seized the yacht and each luxurious vehicles as a part of forfeiture proceedings.
Authorities estimate the scheme triggered at the very least $25 million in losses, with one sufferer alone investing greater than $20 million in StarClub after believing Fritsch’s false claims.
Manera was seated within the courtroom when the responsible verdict towards Fritsch was learn. Though convicted, he remained free on bond whereas awaiting a June 2, 2025 listening to that would have resulted in his rapid detention earlier than sentencing.
As a substitute, prosecutors mentioned, Fritsch skipped court docket, drove throughout the U.S.-Mexico border and disappeared.
In accordance with Manera’s plea settlement, she spent the following a number of months serving to him keep one step forward of federal authorities.
She admitted mendacity to FBI brokers by falsely claiming she had not spoken with Fritsch across the time he fled.
From June via September 2025, Manera additionally made at the very least 10 funds totaling about $7,475 to a 3rd celebration whereas realizing Fritsch was hiding at that particular person’s house in Mexico. She moreover approved a $534 cost from her checking account to pay for his keep at a Mexican resort.
Prosecutors mentioned her efforts went past monetary help. In September 2025, she searched on-line on Fritsch’s behalf for details about how he may depart Mexico and journey to his native Germany, which usually doesn’t extradite its personal residents.
Fritsch remained a fugitive when he was sentenced in absentia in October 2025 to fifteen years in federal jail. He was additionally fined $35,000 and ordered to pay $26,806,901 in restitution.
His try and overturn the conviction additionally failed whereas he remained on the run. In April 2026, the Ninth Circuit Courtroom of Appeals dismissed his enchantment below the fugitive disentitlement doctrine, which usually prevents fugitives from in search of appellate aid whereas they’re evading justice. He could ask the court docket to reinstate the enchantment if he surrenders by Aug. 21, 2026.
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