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NewsTelemundo 52 — LocalJune 29, 2026Los Angeles

Malibu Woman Pleads Guilty to Aiding Fugitive Boyfriend

Lucinda Jane Weist Manera has pleaded guilty to helping her boyfriend, convicted fraudster Bernhard Eugen Fritsch, evade federal prison by fleeing to Mexico. Manera admitted to lying to the FBI and providing financial support to Fritsch while he was a fugitive.

crimefraudjustice systemfleeing justice
Read the full story at Telemundo 52 — Local

Why It Matters

Lucinda Jane Weist Manera faces up to five years in federal prison for her role in assisting a convicted fraudster to avoid a 15-year sentence.

Key Facts

  • Lucinda Jane Weist Manera pleaded guilty to a felony charge of being an accessory after the fact.
  • Manera provided approximately 7,475 dollars to support Bernhard Eugen Fritsch while he was a fugitive in Mexico.
  • Manera admitted to lying to FBI agents regarding her contact with Fritsch.
  • Manera used her bank account to pay for Fritsch's hotel in Mexico.
  • Manera researched travel options for Fritsch to move from Mexico to Germany.
  • Bernhard Eugen Fritsch was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in federal prison in October 2025.
  • Fritsch was ordered to pay 35,000 dollars in fines and 26.8 million dollars in restitution.
  • Fritsch was convicted of defrauding investors of over 20 million dollars.
  • Manera is scheduled for sentencing on October 5 and faces a maximum of five years in federal prison.

Who's Mentioned

personBernhard Eugen Fritsch“Convicted fraudster who fled to Mexico to avoid a 15-year prison sentence.”organizationFBI“Investigated the case and interviewed Manera.”personLucinda Jane Weist Manera“63-year-old Malibu resident who pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the f”