Florida authorities have arrested a mother and son duo accused of operating an extensive prostitution ring for nearly 25 years, allegedly using their real estate business as a cover for illicit activities. Christopher Jelavic, 48, and his mother Margareta von Lambert, 70, were taken into custody on September 11 and 12
respectively, facing felony charges of money laundering and profiting from prostitution.
According to a 103-page affidavit filed in Broward County Circuit Court, the pair ran a company called Pretty Woman Escorts, which offered Latin American and European women for $300-$400 per hour. The business was reportedly disguised behind a front company named Boca Art Studios.
Investigators claim that many of the escorts working for Jelavic and von Lambert were registered as real estate agents with valid licenses. The affidavit states that von Lambert used her Florida Realtor’s License to facilitate money laundering for her son’s illegal operations.
Law enforcement began investigating the operation in January, uncovering large deposits into von Lambert’s bank accounts from the front company, as well as Social Security payments. Checks written from the account showed vague payments for purposes such as “home remodeling” and “bathroom remodeling.”
During surveillance operations, detectives observed escorts being driven to appointments at upscale locations. In one instance, an officer witnessed a sexual encounter through the window of a ground-floor apartment in a Pompano Beach condominium complex.
Evidence gathered from trash pulls at one of Pretty Woman’s dispatch locations revealed customer lists, used condoms, and other items inconsistent with a legitimate art business. Authorities also allege that Jelavic was seen carrying heavy duffel bags believed to contain large amounts of cash.
The investigation utilized undercover operatives and monitored communications between Jelavic and von Lambert. In late August, Jelavic reportedly told a former escort that he expected to go to prison for money laundering and organized crime, mentioning that his mother would also face incarceration for her involvement.
On September 7, at 3 a.m., Jelavic was observed purchasing plane tickets to Brazil for himself and his wife at Miami International Airport. Hours later, his wife and mother joined him at the airport, leading investigators to believe they were attempting to flee Florida.
Authorities intervened before the trio could depart, arresting Jelavic on September 11 and von Lambert the following day. Both suspects were ordered to surrender their passports and are currently detained on substantial bail amounts. If they manage to post bail, they will need to prove to a judge that the funds are not connected to illegal activities.
The arrests come after multiple previous investigations into the mother-son operation that did not result in prosecution. Jelavic allegedly expressed frustration and stress about the business to his mother in July, complaining about the toll of running the operation for 25 years.
Von Lambert, who advertised herself as a “real estate broker, artist & designer,” displayed artworks on her website with titles such as “Homage to Picasso.” However, investigators noted a lack of financial transactions related to real estate or art studio activities in her accounts.
Jelavic reportedly purchased millions of dollars worth of real estate through his mother, despite employment records showing a quarterly income of only $3,000. The affidavit suggests this discrepancy as further evidence of money laundering activities.
The suspects are scheduled for arraignment on October 2. Attempts to reach von Lambert’s husband and a business associate of Jelavic for comment were unsuccessful, with both declining to discuss the case.