A former Hollywood actress has pleaded guilty to assisting her fugitive boyfriend, a convicted tech CEO, in evading federal authorities after he fled the United States to avoid prison over a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme.
Lucinda Jane Weist Manera, also known as Lucy Weist, admitted Monday to a felony charge related to helping Bernhard Eugen Fritsch, the former CEO of StarClub Inc., remain at large in Mexico. The Department of Justice detailed that Manera knowingly supported Fritsch after his conviction, even funding his time on the run.
Fritsch, 64, who ran the Santa Monica-based company, was found guilty by a federal jury in April 2025 of orchestrating a wire fraud scheme that defrauded investors of more than $20 million between 2014 and 2017. StarClub marketed an app called StarSite, promising to help celebrities monetize brand endorsements and social media content. Prosecutors said Fritsch falsely claimed the startup was generating millions in revenue and was nearing lucrative deals, including buyout offers from major corporations such as Disney.
The startup's image was bolstered by various celebrity associations and high-profile events. Among those linked to StarClub promotions were actor Tyrese Gibson, who hosted a private party in 2014, singer Enrique Iglesias, actresses Caitlin O’Connor and Elise Neal, rapper Trinidad James, and model Khadija Neumann.
Instead of using investor funds to develop the company, Fritsch reportedly spent millions on personal luxury items, including renovations to his Malibu residence, a McLaren supercar, a Rolls-Royce, and a yacht. Authorities have seized the yacht and both vehicles as part of their investigation.
Following his conviction, Fritsch was released on bond pending a June 2, 2025, hearing that could have led to his immediate detention before sentencing. However, he missed the court date, drove to Mexico, and disappeared. Manera’s plea agreement indicates she paid at least $7,475 to a third party who provided shelter for Fritsch in Mexico and assisted him in staying ahead of law enforcement. Prosecutors also allege she researched ways for Fritsch to travel to Germany, his native country, to avoid extradition.
In October 2025, Fritsch was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in federal prison and ordered to pay $26.8 million in restitution. His subsequent appeal was dismissed in April 2026, though the court noted he could seek to challenge his conviction again if he voluntarily returns to U.S. custody by August 21.
Manera faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison when she is sentenced on October 5.