California'S High Court Steers Clear Of Celebrity Burglary Drama

California Supreme Court Bows Out of Star-Studded Burglary Case

The Golden State's highest court has decided to step back from the spotlight – the California Supreme Court opted on Wednesday not to review the high-profile burglary case involving a Los Angeles man, Benjamin Eitan Ackerman. The star-studded drama came to light after Ackerman fessed up to a string of burglaries, hitting homes of music icons Usher and Adam Lambert, as well as nabbing valuables from former NFL player Shaun Phillips. This decision leaves Ackerman facing a hefty sentence of 31 years and eight months in state prison for his celebrity-centric crime spree.

Appellate Court's Ruling and Trial Details

Last December, a panel of three justices from California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal brushed aside the defense’s claim that the trial judge erred. They allowed the jury to hear about six other burglaries, along with three extra uncharged ones Ackerman admitted to. The appellate panel's detailed 11-page ruling revealed "overwhelming evidence" against him, securing what they saw as a fair trial. In a courtroom that seemed more like a Hollywood set, Deputy District Attorney Jeff Stodel didn't mince words. He painted Ackerman as "heartless," delighting in his crimes, and bragging over text messages about his plunder.

“Mr. Ackerman pled guilty to what he did and he’s fighting what he didn’t,” said his defense lawyer, Gary Jay Kaufman, emphasizing their stance on disputed charges.

Trial Revelations and Sentencing

Prosecutor Stodel described Ackerman as anything but the average burglar. He played the role of a smooth-talking real estate agent, slipping into open houses under fake identities. Sometimes, he'd make off with luxury items on the spot, while other times, he'd return for more. Among his ill-gotten gains was a treasured photograph of Freddie Mercury, altered from its original dedication to Adam Lambert. Ackerman's defense team contended that he only admitted to certain burglaries and was disputing others. Nevertheless, after the jury delivered their verdict in September 2023, Ackerman was whisked away to begin his lengthy sentence.