Avenatti, facing sentencing, apologizes to Stormy Daniels
Convicted California lawyer Michael Avenatti wants leniency at sentencing for defrauding former client Stormy Daniels of hundreds of thousands of dollars, his lawyers say, citing a letter in which he told Daniels: “I am truly sorry.” The emailed letter, dated May 13, was included in a submission his lawyers made late Thursday in Manhattan federal court in advance of a June 2 sentencing. Avenatti, 51, should face no more than three years in prison for his latest conviction, or 4 1/2 years in all, because two convictions have destroyed his life, the lawyers said.
news.yahoo.comWhatever became of the anti-Trump prophets?
For years, the actor Tom Arnold occupied himself with a singular goal: ending Donald Trump's presidency. And what does he have to show for it? "My ex-wife did put in her divorce filings that I was suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome," says the comedian, who became famous in the '90s for his TV sitcom and movie roles - and for being married to Roseanne Barr (his first ex-wife).Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Perh
news.yahoo.comAvenatti jury stuck on whether he cheated Stormy Daniels
The jury deliberating the fate of Michael Avenatti on criminal charges that he ripped off his star client, Stormy Daniels, told a judge on Thursday that it is deadlocked on the first of two counts. The jury note was read aloud by U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman a day after deliberations began. Lawyers on each side were discussing with the judge how to respond to the note, though Furman said he was inclined just to tell them to “keep at it.”
news.yahoo.comMichael Avenatti Grills Stormy Daniels About Her Creepy Haunted Doll In Bonkers Day at Trial
Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesA Manhattan federal jury heard about porn star Stormy Daniels’ belief that “poltergeists” and “shadow figures” haunt her Louisiana home as part of her disgraced former lawyer Michael Avenatti’s fraud and identity theft trial on Friday.Avenatti, the 50-year-old California litigator who is representing himself on charges he stole nearly $300,000 of Daniels’ $800,000 book advance, seemed eager to air the actress-turned-paranormal investigator’s dirty laundry and their behin
news.yahoo.comOnce allies, Stormy Daniels and Avenatti face off at trial
Stormy Daniels, the porn star who catapulted herself and Michael Avenatti to fame with lawsuits against former President Donald Trump, will have a starring role in court beginning Monday when prosecutors try to prove that the California lawyer cheated her of $300,000 in book proceeds. Daniels is not expected to testify until Tuesday, at the earliest. Avenatti, 50, has pleaded not guilty to the charges in what will be his third criminal trial in two years.
news.yahoo.comJury selection proceeds for Avenatti-Stormy Daniels trial
Michael Avenatti, the once high-profile California attorney who regularly taunted then-President Donald Trump, was introduced to prospective jurors who will decide whether he cheated porn star Stormy Daniels out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Jury selection proceeds for Avenatti-Stormy Daniels trial
Michael Avenatti, the once high-profile California attorney who regularly taunted then-President Donald Trump during frequent television appearances, was introduced Thursday to prospective jurors who will decide whether he cheated porn star Stormy Daniels out of book-deal proceeds. Jury selection hit full stride a week after written questionnaires were filled out as U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman introduced over 60 prospective jurors to Avenatti and the lawyers on both sides who will present evidence during a trial projected to last up to a month.
news.yahoo.comAvenatti likely to testify at trial over Stormy Daniels deal
There is a strong likelihood that Michael Avenatti will testify at a New York trial where the once high-flying California lawyer is accused of swindling porn star Stormy Daniels out of a book deal’s proceeds, his lawyers say. The lawyers wrote that there “is a strong likelihood that Mr. Avenatti will testify in his own defense." Avenatti, who became well known in 2018 from frequent appearances on cable television shows when he represented Daniels in lawsuits against then-President Donald Trump, did not testify at a trial that ended early last year with his conviction on charges that he tried to extort tens of millions of dollars from Nike.
news.yahoo.comFeds say Michael Avenatti should head to prison in Nike case
New York prosecutors urged a judge Friday to order California lawyer Michael Avenatti to begin serving a 2 1/2-year prison term, more than a year after he was convicted of trying to extort up to $25 million from Nike. Avenatti, 50, was initially allowed to postpone reporting to prison because he faced trial just days later in California on charges he defrauded clients and others there. The uncertain schedule for when Avenatti will be retried in California means it's no longer a valid excuse to delay reporting to prison, said Manhattan federal prosecutors in a letter to the judge who sentenced Avenatti in July.
news.yahoo.comJudge Drops Bombshell, Declares Mistrial for Fraudster Avenatti
Spencer Platt/GettyA federal judge in California has granted disgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti a mistrial in a case accusing him of siphoning millions from his own clients.On Tuesday, Judge James V. Selna ruled that federal prosecutors in Santa Ana failed to turn over evidence to Avenatti before his wife fraud trial—including data from a law firm bookkeeping software program called Tabs, or Tax and Bookkeeping Solutions.Selna set a new trial date for Oct. 12, along with a pretrial conference for
news.yahoo.comAvenatti Grills Paraplegic Client He Allegedly Stole From: ‘Did You Appreciate Me?’
David Swanson/ReutersSANTA ANA, California—In March 2019, after Michael Avenatti’s millions in debt had already made headlines, the embattled celebrity lawyer paid a visit to Geoffrey Johnson, a client he hadn’t seen in a while.Avenatti was hoping to change the narrative after a judgment-debtor exam—a proceeding where creditors can question debtors under oath about their finances—revealed he allegedly pocketed most of Johnson’s $4 million settlement, which stemmed from a lawsuit after Johnson wa
news.yahoo.comMichael Avenatti sentenced to 2.5 years in prison in Nike extortion case
Lawyer Michael Avenatti, who gained notoriety for his representation of porn star Stormy Daniels in her suit against Donald Trump, was sentenced to 30 months in prison on Thursday for trying to extort Nike out of more than $20 million.Why it matters: Avenatti was once considered a rising Democratic star and a potential 2020 candidate before facing extortion, fraud and tax charges. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeAvenatti became
news.yahoo.comJudge Rips Michael Avenatti as He Gets Two and a Half Years in Prison
Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesDisgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti, who skyrocketed to fame for representing adult film star Stormy Daniels in her hush money suit against former President Trump, was sentenced Thursday to two-and-a-half years in prison for trying to extort Nike for millions of dollars.Judge Paul G. Gardephe called Avenatti’s conduct “outrageous” and a betrayal of his clients.“Mr Avenatti had become drunk on the power of his platform or what he perceived the power of his platform to be,”
news.yahoo.comAvenatti sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for extortion
A New York judge sentenced the combative California lawyer Michael Avenatti to 2 1/2 years in prison Thursday for trying to extort up to $25 million from Nike by threatening to use his popularity to damage the company's reputation. U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe announced the sentence in Manhattan, where a jury in early 2020 convicted Avenatti of charges including attempted extortion and honest services fraud for his dealings with the company. Avenatti, 50, gained fame representing porn star Stormy Daniels in lawsuits against President Donald Trump.
news.yahoo.comLawyers: Avenatti's deserves leniency in Nike extortion case
Michael Avenatti should spend no more than six months behind bars after a jury concluded he tried to extort $25 million from sportswear giant Nike, his lawyers told a judge Wednesday, saying the once high-flying California attorney faces constant ridicule after his “cataclysmic fall.” In a sentencing memorandum in Manhattan federal court, the lawyers wrote that Avenatti had suffered enough from a three-month stint in prison when his bail was revoked last year and from public ridicule. Probation Department calculated federal sentencing guidelines to call for a sentence of 11 to 14 years in prison, Avenatti’s lawyers noted.
news.yahoo.comStormy Daniels and Michael Cohen, once foes, talk Trump
When Donald Trump left the White House in January 2021, he remained "Individual-1" in the federal campaign finance crimes case against his former attorney, Michael Cohen. The prosecution stemmed from six-figure payments Cohen arranged to Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, to keep them quiet during the campaign about alleged affairs with Trump. Federal prosecutors charged Cohen with skirting campaign contribution rules by arranging the hush-money payment to Daniels and a similar payment to Playboy model Karen McDougal. Cohen and Daniels are united not only in infamy but deep regret over Trump. “I’ve been face to face with evil in the most intimate way,” Daniels said.
How Michael Avenatti went from battling Trump to fighting his own legal woes
The scandal involving President Donald Trump and porn actress Stormy Daniels — who received $130,000 in hush money over an alleged 2006 sexual tryst — is likely to remain alive long after he leaves office. Not only is Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. reportedly investigating how Trump's company accounted for the payments. Daniels' former attorney, Michael Avenatti, faces two high-profile criminal trials this year over allegations he embezzled money from clients including the adult film star. "Mr. Avenatti was targeted by Donald Trump, William Barr and Trump's Department of Justice," Avenatti attorney Daniel Steward said in an e-mail to CNBC's "American Greed." Avenatti, 49, faces up to 43 years in prison when he is sentenced in the Nike case.
cnbc.comMichael Avenatti temporarily freed from jail due to coronavirus threat
(Reuters) - The convicted celebrity lawyer Michael Avenatti has been granted temporary freedom from a New York City jail by a California federal judge who said the spread of the novel coronavirus was a compelling reason to release him. FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Attorney Michael Avenatti exits the United States Courthouse in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., October 8, 2019. During his temporary release, Avenatti would be unable to conduct any transactions exceeding $500. In court papers, Avenatti had said he was at extreme risk of contracting the coronavirus at the Manhattan jail, which is often criticized for cramped and unsanitary conditions. Trumps former personal lawyer Michael Cohen and R&B singer R. Kelly have had their requests denied, while the rapper Tekashi69, who has asthma, was released early from his two-year term.
feeds.reuters.comFearing the coronavirus, Michael Avenatti, R. Kelly and other celebrity inmates seek early release
An inmate and four people who work in Los Angeles County jails have tested positive for COVID-19. Lawyers for R&B singer R. Kelly, 53, who is awaiting trial on charges of sexually exploiting underage girls, asked a federal judge last week to release him from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago. At least 167 inmates and 114 correction staff have tested positive, according to city officials. In the federal prison system, 28 inmates and 24 staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. On Friday, Selna found the spread of COVID-19 in New York was a compelling reason to grant Avenatti temporary release.
latimes.comTrump mocks coronavirus fear for Mitt Romney, Michael Avenatti
U.S. President Donald Trump pauses during a Coronavirus Task Force news conference in the briefing room of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Sunday, March 22, 2020. After expressing purported concern over the health of Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and disgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti, Trump retweeted items sniping at Democratic presidential frontrunner Joe Biden, former special counsel Robert Mueller and Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., a manager at Trump's impeachment trial. Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, tested negative for the coronavirus on Tuesday, a month after voting to remove Trump from office on an impeachment article of abuse of power. Romney is the only Republican senator to have voted to convict Trump during his impeachment trial. Trump quipped, referring to Avenatti's short-lived flirtation with running for the White House at the height of his media fame in 2018.
cnbc.comU.S. says accused bike-path killer Saipov threatened to behead jail officer
In a Tuesday night court filing, the Department of Justice said Sayfullo Saipov made the threat on Dec. 18, after the officers supervisor told Saipov to stop obstructing a security camera in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan. According to prosecutors, Saipov first threatened to kill the officer on Dec. 17, confronting him over his alleged practice of frequently waking him at night by slamming a door. Still angry the next day, Saipov told the supervisor he would keep blocking the security camera until the officers head was cut off, and called the officer an animal, prosecutors said. Other recent inmates at the Metropolitan Correctional Center have included the late financier and registered sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, convicted Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and Cesar Sayoc, who mailed pipe bombs to prominent Democrats. The case is U.S. v. Saipov, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No.
feeds.reuters.comMichael Avenatti is convicted of trying to extort Nike
FILE - In this July 23, 2019, file photo, California attorney Michael Avenatti walks from a courthouse in New York, after facing charges. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle, File)NEW YORK, N.Y. – Michael Avenatti, the combative lawyer who gained fame by representing porn star Stormy Daniels in lawsuits involving President Donald Trump, was convicted Friday of trying to extort sportswear giant Nike. “Michael Avenatti has been a fighter his entire life. “Michael Avenatti is a D-list attorney but a Grade-A scumbag,” Sasse said in a release. In the end, Michael Avenatti wasn’t a real attorney, he just played one on TV.”Many of Avenatti's television appearances occurred while he was representing Daniels and after the arrest of Trump's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen.
Michael Avenatti found guilty in Nike extortion trial
Michael Avenatti, the audacious lawyer who became famous for representing adult film star Stormy Daniels, found himself on the other side of a courtroom Friday. Avenatti was convicted of trying to extort as much as $25 million dollars from Nike. Avenatti rocketed to fame two years ago as Daniel's attorney in her lawsuits against President Trump. "Avenatti is Avenatti, and he's a strong guy and obviously he's disappointed, but he's a fighter," lawyer Scott Srebnick said. He even suggested he might run for president but now it's Avenatti who faces "numerous criminal charges."
cbsnews.comDisgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti found guilty in Nike extortion trial
Disgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti was convicted Friday by a jury of all three charges related to his efforts to extort up to $25 million from athletic apparel giant Nike, in what a top prosecutor called "an old-fashioned shakedown." Daniels posted a statement on Instagram, saying: "Sadly, it appears what Michael Avenatti did to me was just the tip of an iceberg of deceit. Avenatti warned Nike's attorney that the claims could "take ten billion dollars off your client's" stock market capitalization. Avenatti had claimed to represent amateur basketball coach Gary Franklin, who testified at trial that he was unaware of the lawyer's tactics. "I'm not f---ing around with this, and I'm not continuing to play games," Avenatti told Nike's lawyers, shortly before his arrest last March.
cnbc.comU.S. says Michael Avenatti shook down Nike, defense disagrees as extortion trial nears end
FILE PHOTO: Attorney Michael Avenatti exits the United States Courthouse in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., October 8, 2019. Avenatti was also accused of defrauding his client Gary Franklin, the coach of California Supreme, once part of a Nike-sponsored basketball league. He testified he did not seek a probe, preferring a quieter settlement in which Nike would fire executives behind the payments. Podolsky replayed a recording of Avenatti telling a Nike lawyer a settlement of a few million dollars would not move the needle for him. Avenatti also faces scheduled trials this spring in Manhattan for allegedly defrauding Daniels out of proceeds from a book contract, and in California for allegedly defrauding several other clients.
feeds.reuters.comU.S. says Michael Avenatti's 'agenda' was to extort Nike, as trial nears end
FILE PHOTO: Attorney Michael Avenatti exits the United States Courthouse in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., October 8, 2019. In his closing argument, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said Avenatti was trying to escape a mountain of debt when he tried to extort Nike last March. The defendant had his own agenda, an agenda he never bothered to mention to his client, Podolsky said. Defense lawyers have said Avenattis demands to Nike were simply part of his representation of Franklin. He has been jailed in Manhattan after prosecutors in California accused him of violating bail conditions there.
feeds.reuters.comTapes of Avenatti threats highlight extortion trial closings
Not guilty,” Srebnick told Manhattan federal court jurors of the meeting Avenatti had last March with Nike attorneys. Howard Srebnick told jurors that Avenatti was “on a mission” for his clients when he met with Nike's lawyers. In his closing, Podolsky said Avenatti was looking out for himself and his financial needs rather than his client, Gary Franklin, a Los Angeles amateur basketball coach. “Michael Avenatti, facing a mountain of debt, saw light at the end of the tunnel,” Podolsky said. On one recorded conversation played for jurors, Avenatti could be heard telling Nike lawyers: “A few million dollars doesn't move the needle for me.
Avenatti's request to limit his testimony rejected by judge
FILE - In this Dec. 17, 2019, file photo, California attorney Michael Avenatti arrives at federal court in New York. The judge also ruled in favor of prosecutors on two other major subjects the defense had argued to exclude if Avenatti testified. Gardephe said he would let prosecutors question Avenatti about his finances, except for references to spousal and child support. The judge also rejected a request by the defense to call as witnesses several Nike employees or lawyers and an attorney who works with Mark Geragos, a lawyer who participated with Avenatti in some discussions with Nike prior to Avenatti's March 2019 arrest. Once a regular guest on cable television programs, Avenatti has been housed for weeks at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan after Los Angeles prosecutors alleged he violated his bail conditions.
Nike faces SEC probe over illicit payment claim: Bloomberg
(Reuters) - A lawyer for Michael Avenatti told a jury that Nike Inc was being probed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over claims that it made illicit payments to elite youth basketball players, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. FILE PHOTO: The Nike swoosh logo is seen outside the store on 5th Ave in New York, New York, U.S., March 19, 2019. REUTERS/Carlo AllegriThe SEC investigation on Nike was confirmed by Scott Wilson, a former lawyer who represented Nike, on the witness stand, Bloomberg said. Nike and the U.S. SEC did not immediately respond to requests for comment. He said that Avenatti was simply fighting for a client who wanted justice by exposing corruption in youth basketball, and who wanted a high-profile lawyer to help him.
feeds.reuters.comProsecutor: Michael Avenatti saw dollar signs in Nike fraud
But what Avenatti said and how he said it in his representation of an amateur California basketball coach who was mad at Nike, “that's not extortion,” Srebnick insisted. His eyes canvas a courtroom as large as a basketball gymnasium, settling on jurors, journalists, lawyers and spectators. When the first witness — attorney Scott Wilson — was asked to identify Avenatti in the courtroom, Avenatti sprang to his feet before Wilson could point him out. “When he looked at the coach, he did not see a client to help," the prosecutor said. “He saw dollar signs for himself.”Srebnick told jurors that Avenatti's negotiations with Nike were “not extortion” but were the enthusiastic representation of a coach whose league of 40 teams in California was being sabotaged by Nike withdrawing its annual $72,000 sponsorship.
California bar: Avenatti stole from client using ‘deceit’
The bar is seeking to put Avenatti on involuntary inactive status, and Morgenstern said it is likely he will eventually be disbarred. “Nothing Mr. Avenatti says changes the fact that he appears to have falsified the payment dates in Mr. Barela’s settlement agreement and stolen his settlement money,” attorney Steven Bledsoe said. “It appears Mr. Avenatti loaned the client’s own money to the client,” Hanna said. “Money that Mr. Avenatti had already secretly collected.”Avenatti has previously denied stiffing Barela, saying all the funds were accounted for. If the bar prevails, Avenatti will effectively be suspended from practicing while it seeks his future disbarment.