A Hollywood actress is now facing the possibility of prison for her involvement in aiding a convicted fraudster to escape justice.
Lucinda Jane Weist Manera, aged 63, admitted her guilt on Monday to charges of being an accessory after the fact. Her crime? Assisting her boyfriend, Bernhard Eugen Fritsch, a 64-year-old convicted fraudster, in evading law enforcement. Fritsch had manipulated investors, defrauding them out of a staggering $20 million through his software enterprise.
Known professionally as ‘Lucy Weist,’ Manera’s acting credits include appearances in “Blown Away” and “The Silencers.” Now, she could face up to five years in federal prison. Her charges stem from actions that include concealing Fritsch from the authorities, facilitating his refuge in Mexico, and financially supporting his escape to Germany, his homeland.
The U.S. Department of Justice noted that Manera was fully aware of her boyfriend’s federal wire fraud conviction from April 2025 when she chose to aid him.
Between 2014 and 2017, Fritsch orchestrated a scam that deceived investors through dishonest representations of his company’s financial health and the potential of an app named StarSite. The app, marketed as a tool for celebrities and influencers to profit from brand endorsements, was part of his elaborate deceit.
The fraudster made up a string of false claims to pique investors’ interest, boasting millions in revenue and looming deals with major media companies, including Disney.
He even managed to link celebrities to his company StarClub Inc – actresses Caitlin O’Connor and Elise Neal attended his promotional events, the New York Post reported.
Fritsch said he would use investors’ money to build out StarClub’s channels and technology – but instead used the millions to fund his lavish lifestyle.
Lucinda Jane Weist Manera, 63, pleaded guilty Monday after helping her convicted fraudster boyfriend flee the country
Lucinda Weist in Murder, She Wrote (1984) she has known roles in Blown Away and The Silencers
Bernhard Eugen Fritsch, 64, scammed investors out of millions by lying about his tech company’s financial performance
The fraudster enriched himself with luxury cars, including a McLaren and a Rolls-Royce, while also upgrading his yacht and renovating his Malibu mansion.
Fritsch was found guilty of wire fraud on April 3, 2025, and his girlfriend was in the courtroom when the verdict was read.
The 64-year-old was free on bond, with a June 2, 2025 hearing set on his potential remand into federal custody.
But on the day of the hearing, the fugitive boyfriend fled the US by car and crossed into Mexico to avoid being thrown behind bars.
From June to September 2025, Manera helped Fritsch evade apprehension and punishment, including lying to FBI agents that she hadn’t spoken to him within a day of his June 2 hearing.
The actress made at least 10 payments between June and September 2025, totaling about $7,475, to a third party, aware that Fritsch was hiding at that person’s home.
The loyal girlfriend also authorized a $534 charge on her bank account to cover Fritsch’s hotel stay in Mexico.
Manera knowingly assisted her boyfriend after his April 2025 federal wire fraud conviction
Michael Jackson and Fritsch, he was found guilty of wire fraud on April 3, 2025
Fritsch attends StarClub Inc’s Private Party hosted by Tyrese Gibson
US actor Wesley Snipes, German moderator Verona Pooth and Bernhard Fritsch attend the Bertelsmann Summer Party at Bertelsmann Repraesentanz
In September 2025, Manera searched the web for information on how Fritsch could leave Mexico and travel to Germany, which generally prohibits extradition of its citizens.
Fritsch was later sentenced in absentia to 15 years in federal prison, fined $35,000, and ordered to pay $26,806,901 in restitution in October 2025.
Authorities are still requesting he surrender. US District Judge Dale S Fischer has set an October 5 sentencing hearing for Manera.