According to reports, lawyer Michael Avenatti was found guilty of stealing nearly $300,000 from former adult film star Stormy Daniels. The money stems from cash Daniels was owed for her 2018 memoir Full Disclosure where she lays out the affair with former President Donald Trump.
Daniels, real name Stephanie Clifford, claims that Avenatti took the money she was owed for the proceeds of her book and used it on his family and luxury goods. “The text communications between Stormy and Mr Avenatti in real time was overwhelming proof of his deceit and embezzlement,” Daniels’ lawyer, Clark Brewster, told Fox News. “The forgery of her name and his concealed directive to wire the money to him was irrefutable. Still, Mr Avenatti possessed the uncanny ability to steadfastly deny the crimes and persuade others he was entitled to the embezzled funds. Stormy is pleased that the justice system worked.”
Avenatti is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24. He faces a possible 22-year maximum sentence.