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

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Natalia Starr Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Natalia Starr stars with Danny Mountain in the latest release from New Sensations.

Sabien DeMonia Drops Latest Evil Angel Directorial 'Depravation of Innocence'

Sabien DeMonia has dropped her latest directorial effort for Evil Angel, “Depravation of Innocence.”

Yhivi Makes Her Tushy Raw Debut

Yhivi has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy Raw, alongside Dan Damage.

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Cubbi Thompson stars with Small Hands in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "She’s Good with Her Mouth."

Elegant Angel Premieres Lilly Bell Showcase 'Lilly Loves Girls'

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Report: VPN Downloads Soar in UK Following Age Verification Deadline

Virtual private network apps, which can be used to circumvent geo-specific age verification requirements, are topping Apple App Store downloads in the U.K. in the wake of new Online Safety Act rules, the BBC is reporting.

Chloe Amour: Recharged, Refocused, and Ready for Real Love

These days, getting ahold of Chloe Amour on the weekend can be tough. She might ditch her phone, as was the case on a recent weekend while celebrating her birthday with family at Disneyland, riding the rides and taking in some sun.

Show More