The intriguing case involving a yoga guru couple accused of manipulating and defrauding a mentally-ill, yet extraordinarily wealthy doctor in Malibu is entering its final stages. Recently, court documents revealed that Anthony Flores, the remaining defendant, has expressed his intention to change his plea to guilty.
This revelation comes just weeks after Flores's co-defendant and ex-girlfriend, Anna Moore, reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors in Los Angeles. Flores's lawyer explained that Moore's deal significantly limited his client's legal options.
The couple allegedly infiltrated the life of Dr. Mark Sawusch, an exceptional ophthalmologist with personal struggles, and allegedly took control of his bank accounts. It is believed that they siphoned off approximately $3 million around the time of his death in 2018.
During the last 11 months of Sawusch's life, Flores and Moore reportedly resided in his luxurious Malibu beach house. They allegedly administered a constant stream of marijuana, LSD, and ketamine to Sawusch, progressively gaining control over his immense fortune, estimated at $60 million.
Tragically, Sawusch passed away in May 2018 due to a fatal combination of ketamine and alcohol, as detailed in the coroner's report. The Los Angeles County medical examiner's office ultimately ruled his death as an accident.
In the court filings made on Monday, prosecutors notified the federal judge overseeing the case that Flores's attorney had informed them of his client's intention to plead guilty. No specific timeline was provided for the filing of a plea agreement, and it remains uncertain whether a deal will be reached.
Flores's attorney and a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles have chosen not to comment at this time.
The tragic chain of events leading to Sawusch's demise started on June 23, 2017 when he unexpectedly encountered Flores and Moore at a vegan ice cream parlor in Venice Beach, California. The subsequent chapters of this perplexing case have captivated the attention of many.
Flores and Moore: A Mysterious Tale of Betrayal and Deception
In the vibrant realm of Hollywood, where dreams are made and shattered, a peculiar duo emerged - Anton David, known as Flores, a hair stylist on film shoots, and Moore, an enchanting actress and singer with a pixie-like charm. However, their story took an unexpected turn when they embarked on a spiritual journey that captivated the attention of one individual - Sawusch.
Just days prior to this encounter, Sawusch had been released from a mental health facility following a distressing breakdown. It was during this fragile state that Flores and Moore, sporting an air of transcendence, weaved their way into Sawusch's life. They swiftly transitioned from strangers to caretakers, maneuvering themselves into his opulent beachfront residence in Malibu, California.
Little did Sawusch know that beneath the veil of spirituality, Flores harbored sinister intentions. Detailed accounts revealed that Flores had allegedly orchestrated a scheme to usurp Sawusch's fortune. Although Moore professed her initial ignorance of Flores' ulterior motives, she eventually admitted to participating in a subsequent effort to retain the ill-gotten funds following Sawusch's demise. The couple audaciously contended that Sawusch had promised them one-third of his wealth, along with his coveted Malibu beach house.
However, when Sawusch's family sought control over his estate, they were met with astonishing revelations. It became evident that nearly $3 million had been surreptitiously funneled into accounts controlled by Flores in the days preceding and succeeding Sawusch's passing. Federal prosecutors swiftly intervened, challenging the couple's claims of benevolence and asserting that Flores and Moore had intentionally isolated Sawusch during his final year.
As fate would have it, the pandemic cast its shadow over the enchanting facade of their relationship. After almost a decade together, Flores and Moore found themselves at a crossroads. They parted ways, with Moore seeking refuge in Mexico, while Flores remained in Fresno. However, their separation was short-lived, as destiny caught up with them.
In late January, law enforcement apprehended Flores in Fresno, while Moore was arrested at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston upon her return to the United States. Since that time, they have been held without bail, awaiting the consequences of their transgressions.
The tale of Flores and Moore serves as a chilling reminder that behind charismatic facades often lurk deceit and betrayal. As the enigma surrounding their case continues to unravel, one can only wonder what other secrets lie hidden amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
