Michael Avenatti charged with defrauding Stormy Daniels

Michael Avenatti, the attorney who rocketed to fame through his representation of porn star Stormy Daniels in her battles with President Trump, was charged Wednesday with ripping her off. Federal prosecutors in New York City said Avenatti used a doctored document to divert about $300,000 that Daniels was supposed to get from a book deal, then used the money for personal and business expenses. Prosecutors said only half of the money was paid back.

Daniels isn't named in the court filing, but the details of the case, including the date her book was released, make it clear that she is the client involved.

In a statement to CBS News, Avenatti maintained his innocence, saying "no monies relating to Ms. Daniels were ever misappropriated or mishandled." "She received millions of dollars worth of legal services and we spent huge sums in expenses. She directly paid only $100.00 for all that she received," the statement said.

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