FILE – Michael Avenatti speaks to members of the media after leaving federal court, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in New York. Convicted California lawyer Michael Avenatti wants leniency at sentencing for defrauding former client Stormy Daniels of hundreds of thousands of dollars, his lawyers say, citing a letter in which he told Daniels: “I am truly sorry.” The emailed letter, dated May 13, was included in a submission his lawyers made late Thursday, May 19, 022, in Manhattan federal court in advance of a June 2 sentencing. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)