Alanis Morissette's manager admits stealing from singer
Jonathan Schwartz is accused of funding a lavish lifestyle with millions of dollars taken from celebrities.
Tuesday 29 January 2019 10:38, UK
Alanis Morissette's former manager has admitted to embezzling more than $7m (拢5.7m) from the singer and other celebrities .
Jonathan Todd Schwartz agreed to plead guilty to federal charges, including wire fraud and filing a false tax return for failing to report the embezzled funds.
The 48-year-old business manager stole nearly $5m (£3.9m) from Morissette between May 2010 and January 2014, falsely listing cash withdrawals as "sundry/personal expenses" to cover up the crime.
When initially confronted about the theft, Mr Schwartz lied and said he had invested the money in an illegal marijuana growing business.
Schwartz had previously worked for GSO Business Management, providing financial guidance to high-profile celebrities.
He was in charge of Morissette's accounts and bills.
GSO, which is suing Schwartz, has said he used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, including a trip to the Pacific island of Bora Bora and paying of a debt to a casino in the Bahamas.
Morissette sued Schwartz last year in Los Angeles Superior Court, but the lawsuit was dismissed after GSO and the singer announced a settlement.
The five other clients, who Schwartz admits stealing $2.3m from, have not been named.
His lawyer, Nathan Hochman, said Mr Schwartz had co-operated fully with the investigation and had accepted responsibility.
Mr Schwartz is now scheduled to appear in a US District Court on 1 February when, if convicted, he faces up to 23 years in federal prison. His plea deal calls for a sentence between four and six years.
GSO has repaid all the money Schwartz took, according to a lawyer for the company.
"The company is very happy he's being brought to justice and held accountable for his actions," Chris Reeder said.