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ICYMI, Avenatti Was Arrested on Tuesday

Leah Barkoukis
Leah Barkoukis  |  January 15, 2020 8:15 AM

“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.“

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)

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.