Attorney Michael Avenatti could be using the same jail cell that once housed convicted Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, his lawyer says.
Scott Srebnick, attorney for Avenatti, wrote a letter on Monday to New York District Judge Paul Gardephe explaining how Avenatti is using a cell that was “reportedly once occupied by El Chapo, on a floor that houses individuals charged with terrorism offenses.”
The attorney continues to note that Avenatti is “locked down” for 24 hours a day “in solitary confinement,” and can only have attorney visits and two medical exams. He continues to detail that there is an officer outside the cell at all times, as well as two cameras “focused on” Avenatti.
He continues to detail the conditions, “The temperature in his cell feels like it is in the mid-40s. He is forced to sleep with three blankets. Not surprisingly, he has been having great difficulty functioning. He has not been permitted to shave.”
Srebnick asked the judge if Avenatti — former lawyer for Stormy Daniels — could be moved to general population, because, under the current conditions, “we cannot effectively prepare for the trial and Mr. Avenatti cannot meaningfully assist in his defense.”
Avenatti has been at New York’s Metropolitan Correction Center, jailed without bond, since last week until his trial, as CNN reports. He is facing financial crime charges.
Last week, Avenatti was arrested in California on accusations of violating terms of his bail while awaiting trial, as IJR previously reported.