Attorney Michael Avenatti, who was convicted of stealing stole $300,000 from former client Stormy Daniels, who hired him in her suit against former President Donald Trump, has been sentenced to four years in prison.
The jury found Avenatti guilty of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for stealing from Daniels hundreds of thousands that she was supposed to receive in connection with a book contract.
Prosecutors said that “Avenatti stole from his client. He did so to support his own business and fund his own lifestyle. He did so despite presenting himself to the world as his client’s champion and defender and despite using that feigned credibility to secure fame and pursue political influence. And he did so by exploiting his position of trust and authority as an attorney, by forging his client’s signature, and by lying to his client and others repeatedly and callously for months.”
The judge said the sentence reflected the “abuse of trust” Avenatti demonstrated and a belief he could get away with it because people would believe him over Daniels due to her “unorthodox” career as an adult film actress.
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Daniels was not present in court during sentencing.
Read it on ABC News.
