Gold Digger Exposed? Vegas Cops Find Alleged Money-Making Plot in Maloof Tycoon's Ex's Texts

Photo by(Jennifer Kathreen Larson/IMDb)

In a startling revelation, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) detectives have unearthed text messages that implicate Jennifer Courtemanche, 44, and her accomplice, Brittany Burgess, in a calculated gold-digging scheme targeting businessman Gavin Maloof. These allegations, documented in a warrant attained by the 8 News Now Investigators, involve the theft of nearly $445,000.

"Gold digger" is defined by Merriam-Webster as someone who engages in romantic relationships for money Merriam-Webster definition. Disturbingly, Courtemanche's 2017 messages to Burgess highlight a clear intent to exploit Maloof's wealth: "OMG THIS IS IT he broke up with his bitch FINALLY...this is my chance for BOTH of us...we need to get the life weve always deserved..." In response, Burgess concurred, "…we need plan."

Further investigations revealed the duo discussing past pseudonyms, indicative of premeditated deceit. Their correspondence took a darker turn in June 2021, marking the first Apple Cash transaction in their heist. Courtemanche, in Maloof's presence during this transaction, texted Burgess about her effort to suppress laughter.

CRIMINAL COMPLAINT

The legal backlash has been swift. On Oct. 4, a criminal complaint in Las Vegas Justice Court named both women as co-defendants, facing six charges encompassing felony theft and money laundering.

The case unfolded after Maloof reported harassing texts and photos, leading to the LVMPD tracing the sources back to Courtemanche. When questioned if he recognized her, Maloof identified her as his girlfriend. Shockingly, she had breached his phone's security to transfer staggering sums: approximately $93,448 in 2021, $275,600 in 2022, and $75,600 in 2023, as detailed in the criminal complaint by the Clark County District Attorney’s office.

This probe originated from harassment complaints, with the discovery of texts from multiple VoIP numbers. The plot thickened as detectives learned about the women's ruse to portray Burgess as Courtemanche's talent agent. Courtemanche, leveraging her status as a SAG-AFTRA actress with roughly 182,000 Instagram followers, was central to their deceit.

Out of 214 fraudulent transactions, 144 originated from Burgess's phone, only to circle back to Courtemanche. The investigation pinpointed 37 phone numbers used in this elaborate scam.

In a coordinated effort, the LVMPD and the Los Angeles Police Department executed a search warrant at Courtemanche's residence in May, seizing electronic devices. Despite her professed confusion, evidence suggests Courtemanche attempted to hide a phone during the raid. Similarly, a warrant executed at Burgess's Massachusetts home resulted in further confiscations.

Burgess, who netted nearly $12,000, claimed she was “duped” by Courtemanche, the primary beneficiary at almost $433,000.

Representing Maloof, Attorney David Chesnoff expressed gratitude towards the LVMPD and the Clark County District Attorney's office. The relationship between Maloof and Courtemanche has since ended.

Following warrants issued, Judge Nadia Wood set Courtemanche's bail at $10,000, enforcing a no-contact order with Maloof, and granted a jail “walk-through." Burgess received a similar arrangement. While Ryan Helmick, Courtemanche's attorney, stayed silent, Burgess's counsel is slated for a court appearance on Nov. 15. Courtemanche's preliminary hearing is set for March 11.

Readers, what do you think? How should she be charged? Let us know in the comments.