A Los Angeles man involved in a multimillion-dollar heist operation that targeted A-list celebrities’ jewelry and artwork among other valuables learned his fate Wednesday.
Benjamin Eitan Ackerman, 37, the man who posed as a real estate agent to commit the theft was sentenced to 31 years in prison.
Ackerman appeared defeated inside Los Angeles Superior Court throughout his sentence, photos obtained by the Daily Mail show.
Ackerman and his accomplice, Jason Yaselli, a former Keller Williams realtor, used open house cover to plan and execute the high-value robberies of 14 LA-area mansions from December 2016 to July 2018.
Yaselli allegedly told Ackerman to rob at least 14 mansions in the Hollywood area and sell the stolen goods to help pay off Yaselli’s credit cards.
Prosecutors said Ackerman deposited between $5,500 and $20,000 into Yaselli’s account each month.
Victims of both include musicians Adam Lambert, Usher, and Jason Derulo along with “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” stars Paul and Dorit Kemsley, former NFL player Shaun Phillips and former Vanity Fair deputy editor Punch Hutton.
Benjamin Eitan Ackerman, 37, the man who posed as a real estate agent to commit the theft was sentenced to 31 years in prison. EPA Ackerman and his accomplice, Jason Yaselli, a former Keller Williams realtor, used the cover of an open house to plan and execute high-value robberies of 14 LA-area mansions from December 2016 to July 2018. Keller Williams Realty singer Adam Lambert was among the high-profile victims Ackerman and Yaselli.Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Hutton took the stand Wednesday to give an impact statement at the hearing, because his statement was key to Ackerman’s arrest because he found the feet and fingerprints used to catch the thief.
The two have stolen thousands of items in their hit movies, even hitting a house, reported to be the Kemsley family home, and stealing more than 150 luxury items estimated to be worth $2.5 million and totaling 5.5 million, the outlet reported.
Officers also found 43 wallets, 30 bracelets, 25 necklaces and Social Security cards before finding framed photos of celebrities including Mick Jagger and David Bowie.
Usher’s home is in the same neighborhood as Punch Hutton and Adam Lambert making it easy for Ackerman to explore the area. Getty Images Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” stars Paul and Dorit Kemsley, perhaps the hardest hit, had more than $2.5 million worth of items stolen from their home. WireImage Punch Hutton took the stand Wednesday to give an impact statement at the hearing, as his statement was key to Ackerman’s arrest because he found the feet and fingerprints used to catch the thief. Getty Images for Vanity Fair
Ackerman and Yaselli also targeted former rabbi Ackerman, who was a close family friend who owned a family heirloom that part of the family sold to help the family escape the Nazis.
Ackerman used his knowledge of house layouts and safe locations to steal several items including heirlooms.
Police have yet to find him, the outlet said.
Ackerman was arrested in 2019 days after Yaselli was arrested at LAX.
In September, Ackerman was found guilty of three counts of first-degree residential burglary, two months after he pleaded no contest to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, 11 counts of first-degree residential burglary and 25 counts of money laundering.
The glittering earrings were among thousands of pieces of jewelry recovered by police following Ackerman’s arrest. An LAPD-branded bag was found by police after a raid on Ackerman’s property. LAPD Adam Lambert has an autographed photo written to him from Freddie Mercury that was stolen from him during a burglary.LAPD
“Justice for the victims of ‘The Bling Ring’ and its actions that shook their sense of trust and safety in their own homes will hopefully bring them peace of mind as they continue this trial,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George. Gascón said after Ackerman was found guilty.
“Although their belongings cannot be replaced, I hope this decision reassures them that such behavior will not be tolerated in our community.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
