Trump fixer Michael Cohen to plead the 5th in Stormy Daniels case

NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - Michael Cohen, President Trump's personal lawyer and fixer, submitted a document in federal court in Los Angeles on Wednesday stating he will plead the Fifth—assert his constitutional right against self-incrimination—in connection with the lawsuit filed against him by adult film star Stormy Daniels.

In the court filing, Cohen claims the FBI raids on his office and home in New York and the bureau's ongoing criminal probe are part of the reason why he will not testify.

Cohen stated that the feds seized "various electronic devices and documents in my possession" that have info about the $130,000 Daniels was paid as part of a confidentiality agreement that prevents her discussing an alleged relationship she had with Trump in 2006.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, is suing to have the agreement invalidated and has also alleged that Cohen defamed her.

Her lawyer, Michael Avenatti, called Cohen's court filing 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. "It is esp. stunning seeing as MC served as the 'fixer' for Mr. Trump for over 10 yrs. #basta"

With the AP