This Week In The News (04/08-04/12)

Avenatti Charged with Embezzlement, Fraud, Cheating on Taxes

Thursday, April 11 (AP News) – Attorney Michael Avenatti, 48 was indicted late Wednesday on 36 counts of stealing money from clients, bank fraud, not paying personal income taxes, and lying in bankruptcy proceedings. The 61-page long indictment contains allegations Avenatti embezzled money from five clients. Other allegations include pocketing payroll taxes and submitting fraudulent tax returns. The attorney could face up to 335 years in prison if convicted.

Magic Johnson Abruptly Quits as the Los Angeles Lakers’ President of Basketball Operations

Tuesday, April 9 (CNBC) – Magic Johnson, president of basketball operations at the Los Angeles Lakers, abruptly quit Tuesday night, just 90 minutes before the final game. He didn’t tell team owner Jeanie Buss or general manager Rob Pelinka beforehand. Stating he desired to get back to a simpler life, the former player had run the franchise for over two years. Johnson mentioned NBA fines for tampering but didn’t relate his decision to the future of Laker’s coach Luke Walton.

Nipsey Hussle has Los Angeles Intersection Renamed After Him, City Councilman Announces

Wednesday, April 10 (Fox News) – On Tuesday, Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson announced the renaming of the intersection at Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard in honor of Nipsey Hussle, the rapper gunned down at the location last month. It will soon be known as Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” Asghedom Square. The action comes after a Change.org petition was signed by over 500,000 people and reflects the rapper’s genuine nature, community activism, and philanthropic efforts.

Propane Tanker Overturns In Chain-Reaction Crash On 14 Freeway; 5 Hurt

Tuesday, April 9 (CBS Los Angeles) – A propane tanker and two other vehicles collided on the 14 Freeway, near Crown Valley Road, on Tuesday. The incident happened at around 9:15 a.m., according to a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. All southbound lanes were closed while hazardous materials personnel cleaned up leaking propane. A mother and daughter were airlifted to trauma centers and other victims were taken to a local hospital.

Driver Sought in L.A. Hit-and-Run That Left Woman Badly Injured

Wednesday, April 10 (KTLA) – Police were seeking the public’s help in finding Paulino Diego Pedro, 30, who struck a young woman, abandoned his SUV, and fled the scene last month. The accident severely injured the 20-year-old woman who had her right leg amputated as a result. Spotted on surveillance video, the driver was seen fleeing the accident, which occurred at about 3:20 p.m. on March 22, at Jefferson Boulevard near San Pedro Street, according to the LAPD. The City of Los Angeles has posted a $25,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to the capture and conviction of hit-and-run drivers.

Video Shows Car Smashing Through Gym, Hitting Man on Treadmill

Tuesday, April 9 (New York Post) – KTLA Los Angeles reported that an SUV crashed through Anytime Fitness, a fitness club in California, hitting Samuel Kiwasz as he was preparing for a treadmill workout. Kiwasz, of Culver City, suffered minor injuries. Thrown toward the back wall, he acted swiftly to avoid being crushed. The female driver of the vehicle cooperated with police.

Woman Dies After Pickup Crashes Into Flatbed Truck on Orange Freeway

Tuesday, April 9 (The Orange County Register) – The female passenger of a pickup truck died after the vehicle collided with a flatbed truck on the 5 Freeway Tuesday morning. The accident occurred at about 8:30 a.m. on a southbound carpool lane in Orange, California, which was temporarily closed. Officials say the woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the pickup sustained major injuries.

Motorcyclist Injured in Crash with Deer Near Palomar Mountain

Tuesday, April 9 (Fox 5 San Diego) – On Tuesday morning, a motorcyclist collided with a deer while traveling westbound on Route 76. According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident happened shortly before 9 a.m. near South Grade Road in Pauma Valley. The motorcyclist suffered a broken leg and was taken to a local hospital, while the deer was killed in the collision.