>Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MICHAEL AVENATTI was sentenced today in Manhattan federal court by United States District Judge Jesse M. Furman to 48 months in prison for fraud and aggravated identity theft. AVENATTI was previously found guilty on February 4, 2022, following a two-week jury trial.
Statement U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On The Conviction Of Michael Avenatti For Wire Fraud And Aggravated Identity Theft
justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/statement-us-attorney-damian-williams-conviction-michael-avenatti-wire-fraud-and
February 4, 2022 Department of Justice U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of New York
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 4, 2022
As an attorney and fiduciary, Michael Avenatti pledged to advise his clients and act in good faith. As evidenced by his second conviction by this Office in just three years, this time for stealing a book advance from his client, he did just the opposite. Rather than advise his clients in their best interests, Avenatti instead used his law degree as a license to steal. Michael Avenatti has once again been convicted by a unanimous jury for blatant abuse of his privilege to practice law and for betraying his solemn responsibility to his clients.
Topic(s):
Financial Fraud
Component(s):
USAO - New York, Southern
Contact:
Nicholas Biase (212) 637-2600
Press Release Number: 22-034
Updated February 15, 2022