Court Found Adva Lavie Competent to Stand Trial

A judge determined the 29-year-old is fit to proceed with criminal cases involving grand theft and residential burglary.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Sex Crimes

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A judge ruled Adva Lavie competent to stand trial on burglary and theft charges in Los Angeles on Tuesday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The court has officially ruled that Adva Lavie, also known as Mia Ventura, is competent to stand trial. She currently faces six felony counts, including burglary and grand theft, following allegations that she targeted victims through dating apps.

Why it matters

This ruling clears the path for criminal proceedings to resume at the Van Nuys courthouse. Lavie faces a potential maximum sentence of 11 years and 8 months in state prison if convicted on the charges.

Dr. Phani Tumu determined Lavie is competent to face 6 felony charges, including two counts of grand theft and two counts of unauthorized personal ID use. The defendant remains subject to legal action following her July re-arrest.

The players

Adva Lavie

She is a 29-year-old defendant who also uses the name Mia Ventura.

Phani Tumu

He is the doctor who evaluated the defendant and reported findings on her mental competency to the court.

Steve Cloobeck

He is a 64-year-old victim who is the subject of an investigation regarding allegations that he was drugged by the defendant.

Beverly Hills Police Department

This local agency is leading the active investigation into the allegations that the defendant drugged a victim.

The details

Lavie allegedly used dating applications to cultivate relationships with victims, frequently posing as a romantic partner or travel companion to gain entry into homes in Los Angeles, Westlake Village, and West Hollywood. Authorities are also investigating claims that she drugged Steve Cloobeck with ketamine during the period between 2023 and 2025.

Timeline

  1. The alleged burglaries and theft occurred between 2023 and 2025.

  2. The District Attorney disclosed felony burglary charges on March 24, 2026.

  3. Lavie was re-arrested in Beverly Hills at 10:30 p.m. on July 28, 2026.

  4. The court found Lavie competent to stand trial on October 9, 2026.

Legal Context

The ruling follows the legal requirements set by the Dusky v. United States competency standard. It marks a shift from the evaluation phase to active prosecution, confirming the defendant meets the threshold of rational understanding necessary for trial.

Local residents and business owners in West Hollywood and Westlake Village may see continued law enforcement presence as the investigation into the series of residential burglaries proceeds. The case serves as a reminder to report suspicious activity involving individuals met through online platforms.

The takeaway

The court's decision ensures that the criminal proceedings regarding the theft and burglary allegations will move forward as scheduled. Residents are encouraged to maintain vigilance when vetting new acquaintances met through dating apps to ensure personal security.

Further reading

Read more about ongoing Sex Crimes investigations in the area.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Canyon News.