“Creepy porn lawyer” Michael Avenatti was arrested Tuesday during a break in a disciplinary hearing related to accusations by the State Bar of California that he scammed a client out of $840,000. The news broke as Democratic presidential candidates were on the debate stage.
“I can confirm that he was arrested by federal agents," Avenatti's lawyer Dean Steward said. "I anticipate a bail hearing at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Magistrate's Court in Santa Ana. I haven't seen the details of the warrant, but should have it later this evening.“
Just moments ago ex-Stormy Daniels attorney Michael Avenatti was taken out of the California State Bar Court in LA the custody of federal agents. pic.twitter.com/cU8sM4DUw1
— Jason McGahan (@JasonMcGahan) January 15, 2020
In other news, Michael Avenatti has been arrested again. Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles say he violated the terms of his pretrial release. pic.twitter.com/qqJPaSl1zR
— Brad Heath (@bradheath) January 15, 2020
The former lawyer for Stormy Daniels is accused of fraud, cheating on his taxes and lying to investigators. Federal prosecutors allege that he embezzled funds from clients. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles, told Fox News that Avenatti was arrested on suspicion of violating his pre-trial release.
"I do expect him to appear in federal court in Santa Ana tomorrow," he said, adding that documents related to the arrest were under seal. (Fox News)
Recommended
Avenatti reportedly said he was "completely innocent" as he was led out of the court house, according to the Daily Beast.
Donald Trump Jr. joked that Avenatti would have made the Democratic debate much more interesting had the disgraced lawyer jumped in the race as he previously considered.
Again??? He would have been more entertaining on tonight’s #demdebate than these jokers. What happened?
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 15, 2020
Michael Avenatti Arrested by Feds at California State Bar Hearing https://t.co/87uhv63hIH
Some of Michael Avenatti’s media fanboys & gals. Never forget ???? pic.twitter.com/GZtVvxVcaM
— Rita Panahi (@RitaPanahi) May 22, 2019
Join the conversation as a VIP Member