Aurélie Preston, former candidate of Marseille, Reality TV Angels and The Villa of Broken HeartsShe has been sent to trial before the Yvelines Assize Court along with four other people. The 35-year-old influencer is suspected of having participated in planning a home invasion committed in June 2024 in Versailles. She denies any involvement, and her lawyer has announced that she is appealing the decision.
Tied up, gagged and beaten in his home
The incident occurred on June 25, 2024, at approximately 7:45 a.m., on Rue Madame, a short distance from the Palace of Versailles. Three men armed with replica pistols and stun guns forced their way into the apartment of the brother of Aurélie Preston's former partner.
The victim was tied up, gagged, and then violently beaten. His attackers wanted to know where the jewelry, watches, and other valuables in the apartment were hidden. They reportedly had specific information about the family, even mentioning the maiden name of the victim's mother, who also lived in the building.
After losing consciousness, the man managed to take advantage of a moment of inattention from his attackers. He escaped through a window of his fifth-floor apartment and made his way to the rooftops. Neighbors eventually found him and brought him to safety.
Two Rolex watches were stolen, one of which was estimated at 110,000 euros.
The three men fled after ransacking the apartment. They stole, among other things, two Rolex watches belonging to the victim and his brother. One of them was valued at €110,000.
Investigators quickly suspected the perpetrators had targeted the wrong apartment. Their true target was believed to be the victim's brother, Aurélie Preston's former partner. He reportedly told police he had been in conflict with the influencer for several months, particularly regarding money and luxury watches purchased during their relationship.
The man reportedly explained that he felt "stalked" by his former partner, who, according to him, was trying to recover some of their belongings. An acquaintance of the couple also reportedly stated that Aurélie Preston and her new partner were particularly interested in these watches.
A mysterious call made by a fake florist
Several elements have caught the attention of investigators. Aurélie Preston and her partner at the time reportedly went to Versailles before the attack and scouted the building where the family members lived.
The investigation also focused on a phone call made to the victim's mother. The caller presented himself as a florist delivering a bouquet. Under this pretext, he allegedly obtained the family's exact address.
On the morning of the home invasion, one of the three men reportedly showed up at the building carrying flowers. This tactic allegedly allowed the group to approach the building without immediately arousing suspicion.
Aurélie Preston admits to having searched for the address
Aurélie Preston admits to having tried to obtain her former partner's address. However, she maintains that she only wanted to take legal action to recover property or resolve their dispute.
The former reality TV contestant denies having organized or ordered the attack. She also raised the possibility that her then-partner may have planned the operation without informing her. He rejects this version and denies having acted on his own initiative.
A man suspected of participating in the raid admitted to entering the apartment. He explained that he had been promised a "large haul, gold and lots of cash." However, he reportedly refused to identify the person who ordered the operation.
Four other suspects sent to trial.
The investigating judge has decided to send Aurélie Preston and four alleged accomplices to trial before the Assize Court. The charges against the influencer include complicity in aggravated robbery, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy.
This decision does not mean she has been found guilty. Her responsibility will have to be examined by the criminal justice system, provided the committal order is upheld following the appeal announced by her defense.
Her lawyer maintains that Aurélie Preston did not participate in the attack or its planning. The influencer benefits from the presumption of innocence until a possible final conviction.
A sentence of up to twenty years imprisonment
If her referral to the Assize Court is confirmed and if she is found guilty of the charges against her, Aurélie Preston faces up to twenty years in prison.
No trial date has yet been announced. The appeal process initiated by her defense must first determine whether the former reality TV contestant will actually appear before the Yvelines Assize Court.
