Mother-Son Duo Arrested for Running an Escort Service in Florida

In a striking case of alleged criminal enterprise, a mother-son team has been charged with running a multi-million dollar escort service in South Florida while concealing their illegal operations through a legitimate real estate business. Margareta Von Lambert, 70, and Christopher Jelavic, 48, are now facing serious charges, including money laundering and deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.

Overview of the Operation

Authorities claim that Von Lambert and Jelavic operated Pretty Woman Escorts, a business that’s been on law enforcement’s radar for over 20 years. Following an extensive investigation, detectives uncovered a sophisticated operation that involved:

• Laundering over $100,000 in prostitution profits in a year.
• Using a legitimate real estate business as a front.
• Employing undercover officers and confidential informants to gather evidence.

The Investigation

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office detailed their findings in a comprehensive 100-page probable cause affidavit. The investigation utilized various surveillance strategies, including:

• GPS trackers
• Hidden cameras
• Clandestine surveillance operations

In one notable instance, detectives observed a prostitution transaction through a window, capturing video evidence of illicit activity.

Business Profile: Pretty Woman Escorts

Established in 2000, Pretty Woman Escorts Inc. was registered with the State of Florida and operated out of a nondescript office building in Pompano Beach. The business featured:

• A front desk staff member
• Drivers transporting escorts to meet clients
• Detailed ledgers documenting transactions

Despite its illegal nature, the operation was far from clandestine. The escort service advertised actively, promoting itself as a top agency with a lucrative clientele. Their website remained operational as of the investigation’s latest updates, complete with escort profiles and job advertisements.

How the Operation Worked

Detectives began their investigation in January 2023 upon discovering online advertisements for the service. Their efforts revealed a highly organized criminal network, as illustrated below:

• Financial Transfers: Jelavic used shell companies to launder money from real estate transactions.
• Transaction Records: From June 1, 2023, to June 1, 2024, Jelavic received over $170,000 in various forms, while Von Lambert received over $80,000 in the same period.
• Undercover Engagement: Officers posed as clients and communicated with the business, revealing the organized nature of the service.

Arrest and Charges

Authorities moved quickly after gathering substantial evidence against Von Lambert and Jelavic. Before they could flee to Brazil on a planned trip, they were apprehended. Currently, both remain in custody at the Broward County Jail, with Jelavic held on a $1 million bond and Von Lambert on a $200,000 bond. Their next court appearance is set for Wednesday.

Conclusion

The arrest of this mother-son duo highlights the ongoing issues surrounding human trafficking and prostitution in Florida. As law enforcement continues to crack down on illegal activities disguised as legitimate businesses, the case of Pretty Woman Escorts serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some individuals will go to exploit vulnerable people for profit.

For more insights into legal matters or to stay updated on local crime news, consider visiting Law360 and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for official updates.