Prenda Attorney Admits Guilt in Porn-Trolling Operation

Prenda Attorney Admits Guilt in Porn-Trolling Operation

MINNEAPOLIS — John Steele, the former Prenda Law partner who allegedly made millions of dollars suing hundreds for illegally downloading adult films, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, as well as conspiracy to launder money.

Admitting to federal prosecutors in Minneapolis that Prenda Law’s operation was a scam, Steele brokered a deal that calls for him to cooperate in the prosecution of others involved, presumably his only co-defendant — Prenda Law partner Paul Hansmeier.

Hansmeier, who is suspended from practicing law and earlier filed for bankruptcy, has denied similar charges and awaits trial in Minneapolis.

In exchange for Steele’s plea, prosecutors agreed that they will dismiss 16 other charges against him, including mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit and suborn perjury.

Steele, with the deal, could be sentenced to 8 to 10 years in prison if approved by U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen. Without a deal in place, the statutory maximum sentencing on the charges is about 40 years.

According to the plea agreement, Steele and Hansmeier launched a scheme in 2011 “to fraudulently obtain copyright lawsuit settlements by deceiving state and federal courts throughout the country.”  

Prosecutors said Steele and Hansmeier used sham business entities to acquire copyrights to adult movies, some of which they filmed themselves.

The Chicago attorneys posted the movies to file-sharing websites where others could watch them, then filed suits against unnamed John Does who anonymously downloaded the movies.

Later, they sought court approval to issue subpoenas to ISPs to identify possible defendants.

When Prenda Law filed suit against the Does they “used extortionate tactics to garner quick settlements,” the plea agreement said. Those settlements averaged about $3,400 per defendant.

“When these individuals did fight back, the defendants dismissed the lawsuits rather than risk their scheme being unearthed,” the agreement said.

According to the agreement, Steele and Hansmeier, or counsel they hired, filed 200 fraudulent copyright infringement lawsuits around the country seeking the identities of the subscribers behind more than 3,000 IP addresses. In total, between 2010 and 2014, Prenda Law collected more than $6 million in settlements.

When judges began questioning their tactics, Steele and Hansmeier “repeatedly lied and caused others to lie” in an effort to hide their operation, the agreement said.

Pictured: John Steele

 

 

  

View plea agreement

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Ricky's Room Drops 3rd Installment of Baby Gemini Showcase

Ricky’s Room has released the third installment of its Baby Gemini showcase, titled "Gemini’s Blowbang."

Free Speech Coalition Appoints Megan Stokes to Board of Directors

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced today that it has appointed Megan Stokes to its Board of Directors.

Nina Heels Leads Dorcel's 'Girls At Work 6'

Nina Heels headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Girls At Work — Stories #6.”

Lexi Lore Stars in Latest Installment of 'Under the Bed'

Lexi Lore stars with Parker Ambrose and Axel Haze in the latest installment of Pure Taboo series “Under the Bed,” titled “Game of Spirits.”

Elegant Angel Showcase 'Jodi West Goes Gonzo' Premieres

Jodi West gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Khloe Kapri, Sophia Locke Lead 'The Mistress 7' From Sweet Sinner

Khloe Kapri and Sophia Locke star in “The Mistress 7,” from Mile High Media studio brand Sweet Sinner.

Eve Sweet Performs Her 1st Gangbang for Blacked

Vixen Angel Eve Sweet has performed her first gangbang in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked.

Violet Voss Fronts Latest From Mofos

Violet Voss stars in the latest scene from Mofos, titled “Pitching a Tent for Violet.”

Abigaiil Morris Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Abigaiil Morris stars in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “Caged And Cum-Hungry: Abigaiil's Blowbang.”

Show More