Broward County Mother and Son Charged with Money Laundering Tied to Prostitution Operation

Arrest of Christopher Jelavic and Margareta von Lambert

In a significant legal development, a mother-son duo from Broward County, Florida, has been arrested for alleged money laundering connected to a prostitution operation. Christopher Jelavic, 48, and his 70-year-old mother Margareta von Lambert were taken into custody earlier this month. They face serious charges, including one count of money laundering exceeding $100,000 in a 12-month period and receiving support from prostitution proceeds.

Details of the Allegations

Court documents uncover that Jelavic and von Lambert ran a Pompano Beach business known as "Pretty Woman Escorts," operated as a "criminal enterprise" involved in commercial sex. The explanation of tactics used by the duo reveals a complicated web of real estate dealings and shell companies aimed at laundering money derived from illegal activities:

• Business Formation: "Pretty Woman Escorts" was established on April 20, 2000, and has eluded successful disruption despite previous investigations.
• Shell Companies: The mother-son pair allegedly utilized multiple shell corporations registered in Florida to mask the true source of their income.
• Real Estate Licenses: Von Lambert reportedly employed her licensed real estate and broker expertise to facilitate their operations.

Detectives’ Investigation

The Broward County Sheriff’s Money Laundering Task Force initiated an inquiry after discovering numerous advertisements for escort services linked to Jelavic’s operations. Despite past investigative attempts, no substantial progress had been made until recent developments prompted renewed efforts:

• Surveillance and Undercover Operations: The task force conducted surveillance, initiated traffic stops, and utilized controlled recorded calls to gather evidence.
• Confidential Sources: A confidential informant provided key insights into Jelavic’s mindset and operational challenges, revealing frustrations related to the management of the escort service.

Operational Challenges and Financial Transactions

Testimonies from the investigation elaborated on how Jelavic struggled with the pressures of the business. A specific incident highlighted that a trainee inadvertently sent a mass text to all his clients, leading to significant operational disruptions.

• Financial Records: Investigators discovered that Jelavic’s accounts received approximately $174,000 from various sources, all traced back to prostitution earnings during the period from June 2023 to June 2024.
• Joint Accounts: Funds were allegedly transferred to joint accounts held with von Lambert, further complicating the money laundering allegations.

Key Financial Findings:

• Jelavic’s transactions involved significant sums facilitated through digital platforms like Zelle and traditional banking methods.
• Von Lambert’s accounts reflected about $84,000 in similar suspicious deposits.

Real Estate Transactions and Intent to Flee

One of Jelavic’s shell companies sold a property in Tamarac, with von Lambert acting as the real estate agent, thereby allegedly facilitating another layer of money laundering. Investigators also suspect that the pair intended to flee the U.S. for Brazil to evade prosecution, heightening concerns about their operations.

Conclusion

The ongoing investigation into Christopher Jelavic and Margareta von Lambert underscores the complexities of organized crime in the realm of commercial sex and money laundering. Authorities continue to gather evidence as they pursue these serious allegations.

For further insight into the legal ramifications of money laundering and related criminal enterprise activities, explore more resources on the subject.

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