Woman charged with criminal enterprise

A Birmingham woman is facing more than two dozen felony charges in connection to allegations that she used her business in a scheme to steal more than a million dollars over the past 25 years.

Beth L. Jaslove was arraigned earlier this month in 48th District Court in Bloomfield Township on one court of conducting a criminal enterprise – commonly known as racketeering – which is punishable by up to 20 years and/or $100,000. She was also charged with 27 counts of larceny by false pretenses, including one count of $100,000 or more; four counts of over $20,000; and 22 counts of $1,000 to $20,000. All of the crimes are felonies.

The case is being prosecuted by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office, and stems from investigations by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulation's Securities Division, as well as the Birmingham Police Department.

Jaslove is accused of stealing money from her patients between 1991 and 2017 through her business, the Center for Growth and Enlightenment. Prosecutors said the scheme, dubbed the "Community Money Program," allowed Jaslove to take in more than $1 million through the program. More than a dozen people lost nearly everything they invested.

The scheme involved the sale of unlicensed securities to Jaslove's patients and clients, which promised a fixed return rate of between two and eight percent. Jaslove allegedly promoted the scheme by convincing her patients and clients that investing in the program would aid in their personal growth and enlightenment, Nessel said.

"People shouldn't have to worry about who they trusted with their investments," Nessel said. "Today's charges should send a clear message: Those who seek to defraud our state residents will be held accountable."

Jaslove's bond was set at $250,000 cash only by 48th District Court Magistrate Howard Linden. A preliminary exam is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 22, in 48th District Court.

Photo: Courtesy of Michigan Attorney General's Office