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

Texas Resumes AV Lawsuit Against Aylo Following SCOTUS Decision

A district court judge in Texas has unfrozen the state’s $1.6 million lawsuit against Aylo for allegedly failing to comply with age verification requirements, Bloomberg Law is reporting.

Nadia Jay Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Nadia Jay stars with Mick Blue in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Fucking the Bath Voyeur."

Tommy Gunn Reflects on His Legendary Past as He Looks to the Future

Tommy Gunn is wearing an eyepatch. It’s not an homage to the classic "Pirates" porn parody franchise, in which Gunn takes on the Johnny Depp role. The eyepatch is a temporary measure to help him deal with a nerve palsy that came out of nowhere several years ago and affects his vision from time to time. Gunn needs his vision. As one of the adult industry’s longest-serving male stars, he still has plenty to look forward to.

Rocco Siffredi Directs New Rebel Rhyder Showcase

Evil Angel has released Rocco Siffredi’s Rebel Rhyder showcase title, "Rebel Meets Rebel."

JuicyAds Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

JuicyAds has won its World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) case against a website using a similar domain to impersonate the company's site and defraud customers.

Shalina Devine Toplines 'Thr3e #7' From Dorcel

Shalina Devine headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled "Thr3e #7."

Chloe Amour Headlines 'Unfaithful Betrayal 3' From Bellesa Films

Chloe Amour toplines the third volume of “Unfaithful Betrayal” from Bellesa Films.

Anissa Kate, Jordan Starr Top AEBN for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top-selling stars for the second quarter of 2025, with Anissa Kate landing atop the leaderboard for straight theaters and Jordan Starr heading up the gay rankings.

Misty Addams Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Misty Addams stars with husband Island Boy Brandon and 2024 XMA Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

AEBN Reveals Eva Maxim as Top Trans Star for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top trans stars list for the second quarter of 2025, with Eva Maxim landing atop the leaderboard.

Show More