Michael Avenatti Case Referred To City Attorney

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office has referred the case against Michael Avenatti to the city attorney's office. Avenatti, the attorney who represents Stormy Daniels and has cast himself as an adversary to President Donald Trump, was arrested last week following allegations of domestic violence.

The DA's office said it had referred the case to the city attorney's office for misdemeanor filing consideration. Avenatti, 47, was taken into custody Nov. 14 on suspicion of felony domestic violence.

After being released from custody, Avenatti denied the allegations against him and said he has never struck a woman.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Avenatti said he is thankful that the DA's office has rejected filing charges against him.

"I have maintained my innocence since the moment of my arrest," Avenatti said. "I wish to thank my supporters, friends, family, attorneys, and clients for the outpouring of support they provided. This Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for justice."

According to The Associated Press, an actress who says she had a relationship with Michael Avenatti alleged that he dragged her across the floor of his Los Angeles apartment after an argument over money. Mareli Miniutti wrote in a sworn statement that during the argument, Avenatti shouted expletives at her and told her she was "ungrateful" before he hit her in the face with pillows. She said Avenatti attempted to pull her out of a bed in his guest bedroom and snatched her phone away before she screamed for help.

Avenatti called the allegations "completely false."

This report will be updated.

Reporting from The Associated Press was used in this story.

Photo by Michael Owen Baker/Associated Press