Judge finds model accused in dating-app theft case competent to stand trial

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Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi announced Friday that psychiatrist Dr. Phani Tumu found Adva Lavie, 29, “presently competent,” according to media reports. The finding clears the way for criminal proceedings to resume after they were suspended in August.

Lavie, also known as Mia Ventura, has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from allegations that she stole money and valuables from people she met through dating apps, including wealthy older men and younger women.

Prosecutors allege Lavie targeted victims in Westlake Village, West Hollywood, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills between 2023 and 2025, posing as a girlfriend or travel companion to gain access to their homes before stealing cash, jewelry and designer merchandise.

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She is charged with two counts each of grand theft and unauthorized use of personal identifying information, along with one count each of first-degree residential burglary and first-degree residential burglary with a person present.

Lavie was ordered to stand trial following a preliminary hearing in March, but criminal proceedings were suspended in August after her attorney raised concerns about her mental competency.

A judge had earlier denied a defense request for a mental health diversion program.

Lavie has remained in custody since July, when she was arrested while free on electronic monitoring. A judge subsequently denied bail.

She is also facing a separate criminal case in Riverside County involving allegations that she stole more than $11,000 worth of luxury items from an Airbnb rental during the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Lavie had been engaged to billionaire real estate investor and former gubernatorial candidate Stephen Cloobeck, who was arrested in May and charged with attempting to dissuade witnesses from testifying in the criminal case against her.

Cloobeck pleaded not guilty Aug. 7 to three felony counts involving alleged witness intimidation and a misdemeanor count of making annoying telephone calls.

The alleged victims named in the criminal complaint against Cloobeck are also alleged victims in Lavie’s case.

Lavie faces up to 11 years and eight months in state prison if convicted as charged in the Los Angeles County case, according to prosecutors.

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