Hollywood actress Lucinda Jane Weist Manera has pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact for assisting her boyfriend, convicted fraudster Bernhard Eugen Fritsch, in evading law enforcement. Manera, 63, faces up to five years in federal prison after admitting to hiding Fritsch, facilitating his escape to Mexico, and funding his return to his native Germany.
Fritsch, 64, was convicted of federal wire fraud on April 3, 2025, after defrauding investors out of approximately $20 million between 2014 and 2017. He used his software company, StarClub Inc., and a software app called StarSite to perpetuate the scam. Fritsch falsely represented his company's financial performance and claimed imminent deals with major media companies, including Disney, to entice investors. The funds were instead used to support his lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of luxury vehicles and renovations to his Malibu mansion.
Following his conviction, Fritsch was free on bond pending a June 2, 2025, hearing regarding his potential remand into federal custody. On that day, he fled the U.S. by car, crossing into Mexico to avoid incarceration.
From June to September 2025, Manera actively aided Fritsch's evasion. She reportedly lied to FBI agents, stating she had not spoken to Fritsch within a day of his June 2 hearing. She also made at least 10 payments, totaling approximately $7,475, to a third party believed to be housing Fritsch. Additionally, she authorized a $534 bank charge for his hotel stay in Mexico.
In September 2025, Manera researched methods for Fritsch to leave Mexico and travel to Germany. Fritsch was later sentenced in absentia in October 2025 to 15 years in federal prison, fined $35,000, and ordered to pay over $26.8 million in restitution. Authorities are still seeking his surrender.
Manera's sentencing hearing has been set for October 5. 
