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One-time Democrat presidential hopeful and last, best hope of #TheResistance Michael Avenatti has found himself in legal jeopardy once again. The former lawyer of Stormy Daniels was arrested in New York earlier today on charges that he attempted to extort sneaker giant Nike out of $20 million.
Prosecutors for the Southern District of New York allege that creepy porn lawyer Avenatti attempted to extort Nike “by threatening to use his ability to garner publicity to inflict substantial financial and reputational harm on the company if his demands were not met.”
Michael Avenatti and an unnamed co-conspirator allegedly met with Nike’s lawyers on March 19 in an effort to obtain money from the sports apparel giant. Prosecutors allege that Michael Avenatti planned to release damaging information about supposed misconduct by Nike employees on the eve of the company’s quarterly earnings report if his demands were not met.
The complaint states that Avenatti told Nike’s legal team that he would “go take ten billion dollars off your client’s market cap … I’m not f***ing around.” Avenatti also told Nike that “the company might die” as a result of his going public with the allegations.
Avenatti seems to have been preparing to follow through on his threats to “destroy” Nike, as earlier today he tweeted that he would hold a press conference tomorrow detailing his charges against the company.
Tmrw at 11 am ET, we will be holding a press conference to disclose a major high school/college basketball scandal perpetrated by @Nike that we have uncovered. This criminal conduct reaches the highest levels of Nike and involves some of the biggest names in college basketball.
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) March 25, 2019
I think it’s a pretty safe bet that tomorrow’s press conference won’t be happening as scheduled.
To quote the old late-night infomercials, “but wait, there’s more!”
Michael Avenatti has also been indicted by federal officials in California for allegedly embezzling a client’s money to pay for his own expenses. Avenatti also apparently used this money to pay off the debts of his coffee business and law firm.
US Attorney Nick Hanna had said in a press conference that Avenatti had been charged with wire fraud and tax fraud stemming from a two-year IRS investigation.
Stormy Daniels released a statement regarding her former attorney’s legal woes on Twitter earlier today. Stormy said she was “saddened but not shocked” by the charges.
My statement regarding my former attorney Mr. Avenatti.. pic.twitter.com/9aKYCPNN6y
— Stormy Daniels (@StormyDaniels) March 25, 2019
The California charges carry a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. The New York charges carry potentially 47 years in prison.
Man, that Trump Curse hit Michael Avenatti like the fist of an angry god and came back for seconds.
I wonder if he’ll ask President Trump for a pardon?
Update: Wall Street Journal names Mark Geragos as Avenatti’s co-conspirator.
WSJ is now reporting that Michael Avenatti’s co-conspirator is Mark Geragos, who is a CNN Legal Commentator.
This day just keeps getting better. pic.twitter.com/eNBQ6ALLvR
— Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) March 25, 2019
Mark Geragos has made a name for himself representing various celebrities over the years. Geragos most notably represented Michael Jackson during his molestation trial. He is also currently representing actor and race hoaxer Jussie Smollett, as well as former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Mark Geragos also frequently appears on CNN as a legal analyst.
— Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) March 25, 2019
😂😂😂
KARMA. KARMA