Judge puts onus on Cohen in Daniels case

LOS ANGELES — President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer must declare in writing that his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination may be jeopardized if legal proceedings aren’t delayed in a lawsuit filed by porn actress Stormy Daniels, a federal judge said Friday.

Los Angeles federal Judge S. James Otero said there were “gaping holes” in Michael Cohen’s request for a delay and it was not enough for his attorney to file a statement on his behalf. He gave Cohen until Wednesday to do so himself.

Daniel’s lawsuit is aimed at dissolving a confidentiality agreement that prevents her from talking about an alleged sexual liaison with Trump. She’s also suing Cohen.

Cohen sought to delay the civil case 90 days after FBI agents raided his New York office and residence, seeking records about the $130,000 agreement that Daniels signed days before the 2016 presidential election.

Otero, speaking from his experience on the bench and without knowledge of the investigation, said it was “substantially likely” there would be some criminal action.

“This is not your standard case,” Otero said. “I would expect something big to follow.”

Cohen’s lawyer argued that because the criminal investigation overlaps issues in the lawsuit, Cohen’s right against self-incrimination “may be adversely impacted if this case proceeds” because he won’t be able to respond and defend himself.