Jun 16, 2022 - Politics & Policy

Michael Avenatti pleads guilty to wire fraud and tax charge

Jacob Knutson

Former attorney Michael Avenatti arriving at a federal court in New York in January 2022. — Michael Avenatti arriving at a federal court in New York in January 2022. Photo: Timothy Clary/AFP via Getty Images

Disgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti on Thursday pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud and a tax charge in a federal court in Southern California, according to AP.

Why it matters: Avenatti is already serving two prison sentences from prior convictions for stealing nearly $300,000 from his former client, adult film actress Stormy Daniels, and from attempting to extort Nike out of more than $20 million.

The big picture: Federal prosecutors charged Avenatti in a 36-count indictment in 2019 for cheating clients out of millions of dollars while lying repeatedly about his business and income.

Prosecutors said Thursday that the plea deal subjects Avenatti to as much as 83 years in prison, according to AP.

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Michael Avenatti pleads guilty to wire fraud and tax charge

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