Creepy Porn Lawyer Michael Avenatti has allegedly embezzled almost $2 million from clients of his. He faced 36 embezzlement charges for allegedly keeping clients' settlement funds. Instead of handing over the money to the five clients, Avenatti allegedly purchased lavish items, such as a private jet. On Monday, he pleaded not guilty.
Michael Avenatti pleads not guilty to all charges
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) April 29, 2019
(sketch by Bill Robles) pic.twitter.com/h5WxnCcW4U
According to Avenatti, he should be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
"The right to a presumption of innocence and the right to a jury trial are two fundamental rights that our founding fathers demanded when this country was formed over 200 years ago," Avenatti told The Washington Examiner. "As a citizen of this country, I am entitled to both, I expect both, and I demand both. We don't convict someone in America based on a one-sided argument and a press conference. Even when he is one of the biggest enemies of the president and his son."
He reiterated his position when he spoke to The Hill on Monday:
Michael Avenatti: "The presumption of innocence & the right to a jury trial are two fundamental rights that our founding fathers fought for over 200 years ago when they founded this country. I am entitled to both of those rights, I expect those rights, and I demand those rights." pic.twitter.com/xSTjy73IBB
— The Hill (@thehill) April 29, 2019
Avenatti has garnered media attention for representing adult film star Stormy Daniels, who claimed she had an extramarital affair with President Trump years ago. She was allegedly paid to keep quiet about their relationship, although Trump claims a relationship never took place.
The lawyer is due back in court at the end of June. He is also involved in another legal case in which Nike claims Avenatti extorted them.