Trump's lawyer to plead Fifth Amendment in Stormy Daniels case

Attorney for porn actress who says she had an affair with US president describes move as a ‘stunning development’

LOS ANGELES (AP) — US President Donald Trump’s personal attorney said Wednesday he will assert his constitutional right against self-incrimination in a civil case brought by a porn actress who said she had an affair with Trump.

Michael Cohen has been asking a federal judge in Los Angeles to delay Stormy Daniels’ case after FBI agents raided his home and office earlier this month, seeking records about a nondisclosure agreement Daniels signed days before the 2016 presidential election.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, has said she had an affair with Trump in 2006 and has sued to invalidate the confidentiality agreement that prevents her discussing it. She’s also suing Cohen, alleging defamation.

Cohen sought to delay the civil case 90 days after the raid, arguing that his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination may be jeopardized if legal proceedings aren’t stayed.

But last week, US District Judge S. James Otero said there were “gaping holes” in Cohen’s request for a delay.

Stormy Daniels arrives to federal court in New York, Monday, April 16, 2018, as she arrives to attend a court hearing. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Cohen’s lawyer argued in court last week that because the criminal investigation overlaps with issues in the lawsuit, his client’s right against self-incrimination could be adversely impacted because he won’t be able to respond and defend himself.

In a court filing on Wednesday, Cohen said that FBI agents had seized “various electronic devices and documents in my possession” which contain information about the $130,000 Daniels was paid as part of the agreement. Agents also seized communications with his lawyer, Brent Blakely, about the civil case, Cohen said.

Daniels has offered to return the $130,000 and argues the agreement is legally invalid because it was only signed by her and Cohen, not by Trump.

Cohen will assert his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination “in connection with all proceedings in this case,” he wrote.

Daniels’ attorney, Michael Avenatti, said Cohen’s filing was a “stunning development.”

“Never before in our nation’s history has the attorney for the sitting President invoked the 5th Amend in connection with issues surrounding the President,” he tweeted.