Reality Show Star Pleads in “Bling Ring” Case

The 18-year-old must pay restitution to actor Orlando Bloom

An 18-year-old Calabasas woman pleaded no contest Monday to felony charges stemming from a series of burglaries at celebrity residences.

Alexis Neiers agreed to serve 180 days in county jail and three years' probation, according to the LA Times. She also must pay restitution to actor Orlando Bloom, whose residence was among the celebrity homes burglarized.

As part of the deal, she agreed to stay away from Bloom and his home, the Associated Press reported. Neiers entered her plea just as jury selection was set to begin in her  trial.

"Today, Alexis entered a no-contest plea to one count of residential  burglary and accepted some county jail time in order to avoid trial and a  possible lengthy state prison sentence," defense attorney Jeffrey J.  Rubenstein told reporters outside court.

Investigators said Neiers was one of four hooded people seen on surveillance video entering Bloom's Hollywood Hills home. Neiers is among six people accused of targeting celebrities' homes and stealing millions in jewelry, clothing and other luxury goods.

During an interview with police, Neiers acknowledged being on Bloom's  property on July 13 with co-defendant Nicholas Frank Prugo and two other women,  but denied taking anything from the house.

Other people targeted by the ring included Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Audrina Patridge and Rachel Bilson, according to investigators. An LAPD detective testified that investigators found Bilson's Marc Jacobs handbag and Lohan's Chanel necklace in Neiers' sister's bedroom.

Neiers' arrest and prosecution in the case coincided with her appearance on the E! Entertainment show "Pretty Wild." The show is about growing up in suburban Los Angeles.

"I think the fact that Orlando Bloom (would testify), and the weight of a celeb testifying against Alexis, made us realize the odds were stacked against us," Rubenstein told E! Online. "This was a last-minute decision. We were ready for trial today."

Neiers trial was scheduled for later this month. If convicted on the felony burglary charged, she could have received a six-year prison sentence.

 

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