REPORT: Judge found dead ahead of Michael Avenatti trial

FEBRUARY 4, 2020

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As the most reliable and balanced news aggregation service on the internet, DML News App offers the following information published by WASHINGTONTIMES.COM:

NEW YORK — Deborah A. Batts, the nation’s first openly gay federal judge, has died. She was 72.

Batts was found dead on Monday, three months before she was set to preside over a trial of California lawyer Michael Avenatti on charges that he cheated porn star Stormy Daniels, a former client, of proceeds of a book deal. No cause of death was immediately released.

The article goes on to state the following:

In June 1994, Batts was sworn in after a smooth confirmation process following her appointment to the bench by President Bill Clinton. During her confirmation proceedings, it was never mentioned that she was a lesbian.

Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted about the judge, “Deborah Batts was a trailblazer for women and the LGBTQ community — and above all else a champion for justice. On behalf of the city she served, I offer our deepest condolences to her family, friends and all who knew and loved her.”

Rep. Nydia Velazquez of New York tweeted, “Judge Batts was a trailblazer who broke new ground and inspired many NYers and young lawyers to fight for justice. She also previously swore me in at a community swearing-in event. She was a friend and fighter for progress. She will be profoundly missed.”

To get more information about this article, please visit WASHINGTONTIMES.COM. To weigh in, leave a comment below.

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