By Jonathan Stempel
By Jonathan Stempel
NEW YORK, Jan 9 (Reuters) – A U.S. choose on Thursday rejected celeb lawyer Michael Avenatti’s bid to dismiss a prison cost that he defrauded a consumer who he stated knew about improper funds that Nike allegedly made to households of faculty basketball recruits.
U.S. District Choose Paul Gardephe in Manhattan dominated three days after refusing to dismiss two extortion fees accusing Avenatti of threatening a information convention concerning the funds until Nike NKE.N paid him as much as $25 million.
Nike has denied wrongdoing.
“When the precise proof is heard at trial moderately than the baseless allegations within the indictment, I shall be totally cleared as a result of I did nothing unsuitable,” Avenatti, 48, stated in a textual content message. “I’m harmless.”
A spokesman for U.S. Legal professional Geoffrey Berman in Manhattan declined to remark.
Identified for representing porn star Stormy Daniels and…