A wealthy tourist’s $1,000 date with a Las Vegas prostitute turned out to be a costly mistake, as she made off with his jewelry, worth nearly $120,000.
The unidentified man met the high-dollar escort, identified as Maiah Meleschi, after a night of gambling at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino on the posh Las Vegas Strip in July 2022.
The next morning, the man woke up alone in his bed to find Meleschi gone. His $85,000 Rolex, $30,000 gold chain and $3,000 in cash were also gone.
The man reported the incident to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Surveillance footage showed the initial encounter and then Meleschi leaving the hotel wearing a large gold chain and watch, according to a police report, local 8NewsNow reported.
A warrant was issued for her arrest and she was captured and booked into the Clark County Detention Center earlier this month. She has been charged with grand larceny, burglary and possession of stolen property.
Maiah Meleschi was charged with grand larceny, burglary and possession of stolen property
The Bellagio Hotel & Casino is located directly on the Vegas Strip
The man filed a report with the Las Vegas Police Department. During the investigation, the man provided details about how he met the scammer.
He told police he visited Sin City and played blackjack at the casino until 5 a.m. when he was approached by the woman, court documents state.
Surveillance footage shows Meleschi first approaching the man in the casino, then the two walking together to the hotel elevators.
When the man woke up alone in his hotel room and saw that his valuables were gone, he realized he had been scammed.
The gleaming Las Vegas Boulevard strip
During the investigation, police discovered the pawn shop Meleschi went to and found the gold chain. She reportedly sold it for $11,600 — more than half of what he paid for it. However, the Rolex and the cash were still missing.
According to police, Meleschi has previously been arrested for prostitution and trespassing.
She is due to appear in court on August 8. If found guilty, she could face a prison sentence.
LVMPD said Casino.org The theft Meleschi carried out on her victim is called a “trick roll,” a technique often used to describe when a sex worker steals valuables or money from a client.
According to the police, tricks are regularly pulled and often take place in hotels.
Last September, a visitor to Caesars Palace Las Vegas who had just won the jackpot woke up to find two women had stolen $120,000 in cash and his $20,000 Rolex watch, the news outlet reported.
The Bellagio is one of the most iconic hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. It is considered one of the best casinos in the world and is known for its fountain show.