Jennifer Courtemanche, a 45-year-old actress recognized for her role in the FX series “You’re the Worst,” finds herself embroiled in a legal battle involving allegations of grand larceny and financial deception. The charges stem from accusations that she orchestrated a scheme, alongside an accomplice, to pilfer nearly half a million dollars from her former romantic partner, Gavin Maloof, a former owner of the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team. The alleged thefts, spanning from December 2020 to 2023, were reportedly executed through a series of surreptitious transactions using the Apple Cash app. Courtemanche now claims indigence, asserting she lacks the financial resources to secure legal representation, despite residing in an upscale apartment complex in the affluent Marina Del Rey neighborhood of Los Angeles. This claim of poverty contrasts sharply with the luxurious setting of her residence, where monthly rents typically begin at $2,700, further complicating the narrative surrounding her financial situation.
The alleged conspiracy began to unravel in December 2020, when Courtemanche and her alleged co-conspirator, Brittany Burgess, initiated their plan to siphon funds from Maloof’s accounts. Text messages obtained by investigators allegedly reveal Courtemanche’s elation at Maloof’s renewed single status, expressing her determination to capitalize on the opportunity and sharing her aspiration for a more affluent lifestyle. In subsequent messages, she allegedly discusses her financial struggles and expresses a desire for financial stability for both herself and Burgess. These messages, according to the prosecution, lay bare the motivation behind the alleged scheme: a desire to escape financial hardship and achieve a life of luxury.
The first illicit transaction allegedly took place in June 2021, with Courtemanche reportedly texting Burgess while in Maloof’s presence, expressing difficulty in suppressing her laughter. This initial transfer marked the beginning of a series of escalating thefts. Throughout 2021, Courtemanche allegedly appropriated approximately $93,000 via Apple Cash. The alleged pilfering continued into the following years, with an estimated $275,000 stolen in 2022 and an additional $75,000 in 2023, culminating in a total of nearly $445,000 allegedly diverted from Maloof’s accounts. The escalating amounts allegedly stolen over time suggest a growing boldness and confidence in the execution of their scheme.
The case took a significant turn when Maloof reported receiving harassing communications, including texts and images, from various VoIP numbers. Law enforcement investigations traced these numbers back to Courtemanche, prompting authorities to execute search warrants at both her California residence and Burgess’s home in Massachusetts. During the search of Courtemanche’s apartment, she professed complete bewilderment at the police presence, claiming to have no understanding of the reason for the investigation. However, investigators later alleged that she attempted to conceal a phone during the search, further raising suspicions about her involvement in the alleged scheme.
Similarly, when authorities arrived at Burgess’s residence in Massachusetts, she too feigned ignorance, claiming to feel “duped” by her friend Courtemanche. She maintained she was unaware of any wrongdoing and expressed confusion about the situation. Despite their claims of innocence, investigators allege that Burgess netted approximately $12,000 from the scheme, while Courtemanche pocketed the lion’s share, nearly $433,000. These dramatically different amounts raise further questions about the nature of their alleged partnership and the level of each individual’s involvement.
Following the investigations, both Courtemanche and Burgess were indicted by a grand jury on multiple felony counts, including theft and money laundering, as well as several misdemeanor charges. Burgess appeared in court on January 2nd, 2024, and her case remains ongoing. Courtemanche’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 21st, 2024, where she will likely address the charges and her claim of indigence. The upcoming legal proceedings will determine the course of justice in this complex case involving allegations of betrayal, deception, and significant financial loss. The stark contrast between Courtemanche’s alleged actions and her current claim of poverty adds another layer of intrigue to this already compelling legal drama.
