[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Michael Avenatti, who became a household name for representing porn actress Stormy Daniels in her case against President Donald Trump, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for stealing millions of dollars from his clients and obstructing IRS efforts to collect more than $3 million in payroll taxes from a coffee business he owned.
Avenatti, 51, of Newport Beach, California, was also ordered to pay more than $10 million in restitution to four clients and the IRS.
“Michael Avenatti was a corrupt lawyer who claimed he was fighting for the little guy. In fact, he only cared about his own selfish interests,” United States Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement. “He stole millions of dollars from his clients — all to finance his extravagant lifestyle that included a private jet and race cars.”
At one point, Avenatti was a regular guest on cable news and had been discussed as possible 2020 presidential candidate.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_image image=”996″][/vc_column][/vc_row]