LA man and real estate agent stole items worth $5m from celebs including Adam Lambert and Usher

A Los Angeles real estate agent and his ‘slick’ accomplice are set to go on trial for masterminding a lucrative burglary ring which saw them steal more than $5million worth of items from the rich and famous.

Jason Yaselli, 35, and Benjamin Ackerman, 36, worked together to target celebrities’ homes across Hollywood, California, often breaking into homes in the same neighborhood.

Often victims of the clandestine and calculated burglaries did not realize that there had been a break-in – with some noticing months later that their high-ticket valuables were gone.

Detectives discovered more than 2,500 stolen items in Ackerman’s home and a storage unit he owned.

It is one of the largest recoveries of stolen items in LAPD history, with the discovery of those behind the ‘bling ring’ bringing an end to high-end items vanishing in the city.  

Ackerman was encouraged to steal from at least 13 homes by Yaselli, with the two working together to cover up the ‘surgical’ crimes.

Prosecutors say that at least $5.5 million in valuables was taken from the homes between December 2016 to July 2018.

One Beverly Hills home that was targeted by the two burglars had 150 luxury items stolen – totaling around $2.5 million. 

Real estate agent Jason Yaselli, right, and ‘slick’ Benjamin Ackerman are both accused of masterminding the multi-milion dollar bling ring which saw the duo target celebrity homes and pilfer luxury items before sending them on

Ackerman targeted Adam Lambert’s luxury three-bedroom, 3,049-square-foot home nestled above the Sunset Strip after it was put on the market for $3.35 million. He saw the property on an online listing, and went back on more than one occasion to pocket luxury goods

Detectives discovered more than 2,500 stolen items in Ackerman’s home and a storage unit he owned. Messages between Ackerman and Yaselli showed the pair discussing stealing from celebrities Usher and Adam Lambert

The LAPD released thousands of images in 2019 during a press conference after Ackerman was initially arrested in connection with the incidents. Both he and Yaselli were charged with multiple counts of burglary and theft in August 2019

LAPD detectives say that no one stopped the ‘slick’ burglar because he showed up at properties ‘dressed to the nines’ and would often just walk in the front door.

Singers Usher and Adam Lambert, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills stars Paul and Dorit Kemsley were just a few of the stars who were targeted in the callous attacks.

Paradigm Talent Agency boss Michael Gores, former Vanity Fair editor Punch Hutton and Logitechs entertainment and talents boss Linna Stalberg were also left out of pocket by the devious thieves.

Both Ackerman and Yaselli are accused of stealing more than $500,000 through fraud and embezzlement, and are set to face trial at an LA court in September after pleading not guilty. 

They were charged with 14 counts of burglary, 32 counts of money laundering, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering on 23 August 2019. 

Yaselli and Ackerman could be sentenced to up to 31 years imprisonment if convicted of the charges. 

Ackerman allegedly stole expensive artwork, designer clothing, bags and luxury jewelry and watches from the celebrities homes.

Jason Emil Yaselli, pictured here being arrested by cops, claims that he had nothing to do with the thefts. But authorities say that he is just as ‘morally responsible’ for the crimes as Ackerman who broke into the homes 

Ackerman allegedly stole expensive artwork, designer clothing, bags and luxury jewelry and watches from the celebrities homes. Detectives discovered more than 2,500 stolen items in Ackerman’s home and a storage unit he owned

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills stars Dorit and Paul Kemsley were robbed while they were away from the $12.75million mansion, pictured. The couple realized that several high-ticket items had been taken, with cops estimating around $2.5million worth of valuables was stolen

Luxury jewelry worth hundreds of thousands of dollars was recovered from Ackerman modest-two story home which had been installed with an extensive camera system to keep the stolen goods safe

As well as jewelry and watches, Ackerman also took items such as crystals or sports memorabilia to try to flog for a high price. Intricate gold jewelry was discovered in his home, but not everything stolen was recovered by cops

Twelve LAPD officers raided his home in September 2018, and discovered a 15-camera indoor-outdoor surveillance system.

A helicopter and tactical team were also called in to arrest one of the masterminds behind the operation.

Designer clothing was organized by brand: Balenciaga, Chanel, Fendi, Givenchy, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, as handbags worth $100,000 were also found.

Goyard wallets, Cartier, Patek, Phillipe and Rolex watches were also recovered as well as diamond encrusted Gucci hair clips and hundreds of bottles of expensive wine.

Authorities claim that Ackerman was ‘sophisticated’ and would tamper with surveillance cameras. 

On some occasions he would just rip it out of the wall, while on others the footage would go blank until several hours after the burglary occurred. 

Both Yaselli and  Ackerman would reportedly trawl through online real estate listings to hone in on their targets.

Usher and his then wife Grace Migel found themselves targeted by the due in 2018, after they put up their $4.2million property near to the luxury Chateau Marmont on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip. The listing emphasized the ‘striking artwork’ and ‘eye-catching décor,’ and also had several pictures of the inside of the property with plenty of belongings on show

Ackerman targeted properties by looking at lavish properties for sale online. Some would even have a 3D tour feature which would allow him to take his time to identify specific items that he wanted to try to walk away with

Dorit and Paul Kemsley were one of the hardest hit by the burglary, and had items worth at least $2.5million stolen from their Beverly Hills mansion while they were away

Hundreds of designer bags were discovered by officers after the raid on Ackmans’ property close to where one of the victims lived. He had organized the luxury handbags by their designers, which included Balenciaga, Chanel and Louis Vuitton

Glittering earrings were amongst the thousands of pieces of jewelry that were recovered from the heists, which police say were conducted in a ‘slick and surgical’ manner

Ackerman would also pose as a Realter during recon missions during open houses, in an attempt to identify which properties would get them the largest haul. 

In once instance Ackerman even targeted a long-time family friend of his, making off with a family heirloom which has never been recovered. 

It is unclear how the pair met, but messages between them show that they were in regular contact about how to acquire more wealth. 

After stealing the items they would sell them on to pawnshops and second hand luxury retailers – with Ackerman then depositing the proceeds into his account. 

He would then transfer them to Yaselli, who would use the money to pay the bills Ackerman had racked up on his partners credit cards. 

Yaselli would then receive American Airlines frequent-flyer miles on top of Amex travel reward points. 

Despite never stepping foot into a single property, Deputy District Attorney Jeffrey Strodel said that Yaselli is ‘morally and legally just as responsible’ for the crimes.  

DailyMail.com takes a look at some of the evidence that a jury is set to hear about how the duo allegedly broke into the homes and stole millions of dollars’ worth of property.

USHER AND EX-WIFE GRACE MIGEL

The two burglars took a Louis Vuitton bag which was not recovered by the LAPD

20 MARCH 2018 

Usher and his then wife Grace Migel found themselves targeted by the due in 2018, after they put up their $4.2million property near to the luxury Chateau Marmont on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip.

The listing emphasized the ‘striking artwork’ and ‘eye-catching décor,’ and also had several pictures of the inside of the property with plenty of belongings on show.

Ackerman is accused of stealing an NBA championship ring from the Cleveland Cavalier’s Finals victory in 2016 that was gifted to the rapper by LeBron James.

He also pocketed a $220,000 watch, a necklace worth $200,000, expensive wine, $20,000 in cash, and a Louis Vuitton bag.

The singer was out of pocket around $800,000 after the thieves targeted his plush property.

Of everything that was stolen only a gold necklace imprinted with the singer’s name and another featuring an arrowhead gem were recovered by cops.

But despite deliberately targeting lavish properties, Ackerman didn’t realize he was robbing Ushers home when he was inside.

He texted Yashelli ‘Omg it was Usher!!!!! I wonder if there’s a song that has both Usher and Adam Lambert’ along with smiley emojis.

Officers did recover a gold necklace imprinted with the singer’s name and another featuring an arrowhead gem which were stolen from the singer

ADAM LAMBERT 

Adam Lambert was gifted a picture from Freddie Mercury which was inscribed to him

30 NOVEMBER AND 2 DECEMBER 2017 

Singer Adam Lambert was trying to offload his $4million property in the Hollywood Hills when he was on tour with Queen.

He had a photo of Freddie Mercury stolen from his wall, which was inscribed with ‘To Adam,’ along with a number of other items.

When police eventually recovered it in 2018, it was hanging in Ackerman’s laundry room.

It is thought that Ackerman had changed the inscription himself, painting over the words to say ‘to Ben.’

RABBI KAREN FOX AND MICHAEL ROSEN

7 JULY TO AUGUST 14 2017 

The menorah-shaped brooch was recovered by police after being stolen by Ackerman

Rabbi Fox and her husband Michael Rosen had trusted…