Birmingham therapist sentenced for theft

A Birmingham therapist was convicted of stealing more than $1 million from her patients through a phony program she said would help people in need. Beth Lisa Jaslove, 69, of Birmingham, was sentenced on Thursday, January 9, by Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Phyllis McMillan to five years of supervised probation and ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution,after Jaslove pleaded guilty to one count of larceny by false pretenses of more than $100,000. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said Jaslove stole money from her patients through a program she devised called the Community Money Program at her business, the Center for Growth and Enlightenment. She told patients the money would be used to help others in need. She also promoted the scheme by telling patients and clients that investing in the program would help with their personal growth and enlightenment. The money was stolen between 1991 and 2017. Between 2008 and 2016, she obtained more than $1 million from the victims. More than a dozen people lost almost the total of their investment in the Community Money Program, Nessel said. As part of her sentencing, Jaslove isn't to be employed as a therapist, counselor or spiritual guide for individuals or groups during her probation. "Ms. Jaslove took advantage of her clients for far too long and preyed on vulnerable Michiganders simply striving to improve their well-being," Nessel said. "My office will continue to hold those who steal from others accountable for their actions."