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- A judge on Tuesday declared a mistrial in the California embezzlement trial of Michael Avenatti.
- US District Judge James Selna of the Central District of California granted a new trial to Avenatti, according to Law.com reporter Meghann Cuniff.
- Prosecutors alleged Avenatti stole settlement money from clients to cover losses at his law firm and finance his lifestyle.
- See more stories on Insider’s business page.
A mistrial was declared Tuesday in the California embezzlement trial of disgraced celebrity lawyer Michael Avenatti, reports said.
US District Judge James Selna of the Central District of California granted a new trial to Avenatti after prosecutors failed to disclose computer data in the case, according to Law.com reporter Meghann Cuniff.
“Shortcomings there may have been, but I find no misconduct, intentional or otherwise, on the part of the taint team,” Selna said, Cuniff reported from the courtroom.
A new trial date was set for Oct. 12.
Avenatti cheered the ruling, telling reporters Tuesday, “Today is a great day for the rule of law in the United States of America,” according to Cuniff.
Prosecutors allege Avenatti stole settlement money from clients to cover losses at his law firm and finance his lifestyle.
Avenatti – who rose to fame as the lawyer of Stormy Daniels when she accused President Donald Trump of paying her hush money to cover up an alleged affair – was previously convicted in an extortion case and sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
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