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Malibu woman pleads guilty to assisting fugitive boyfriend after fraud conviction
By Elizabeth Chavolla at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
A Malibu woman pleaded guilty Monday to helping her boyfriend, a convicted fraudster, flee the United States and avoid serving a federal prison sentence.
Lucinda Jane Weist Manera, 63, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of aiding and abetting Bernhard Eugen Fritsch after his conviction for wire...
Key takeaway Lucinda Jane Weist Manera, 63, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of aiding and abetting Bernhard Eugen Fritsch after his conviction for wire fraud in April 2025.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The case of Lucinda Jane Weist Manera, a Malibu woman who pleaded guilty to aiding her fugitive boyfriend, raises questions about the reach of federal law enforcement in Los Angeles County. Manera's actions, which included lying to FBI agents and making payments to support her boyfriend while he was on the run, demonstrate the challenges authorities face in tracking down and prosecuting those who assist fugitives. The fact that Manera's boyfriend, Bernhard Eugen Fritsch, was able to flee to Mexico and evade capture for several months highlights the porous nature of international borders and the need for increased cooperation between law enforcement agencies. As Manera awaits sentencing, her case serves as a reminder of the consequences of assisting those who seek to avoid justice, and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions in the Los Angeles community.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Malibu woman pleaded guilty Monday to helping her boyfriend, a convicted fraudster, flee the United States and avoid serving a federal prison sentence.
Lucinda Jane Weist Manera, 63, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of aiding and abetting Bernhard Eugen Fritsch after his conviction for wire...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Elizabeth Chavolla at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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