Pasquale Rotella is accused of bribery, embezzlement, conspiracy and conflict of interest, and he can be sentenced to 13 years in prison if convicted.
- May 14, 2013
AceShowbiz - Holly Madison's fiance Pasquale Rotella has faced a series of charges. According to Radar Online, he was indicted for bribery, embezzlement, conspiracy and conflict of interest. He appeared in a pretrial conference in a Los Angeles court on Monday, May 13, alongside five other people who were involved with his event planner company, Insomniac Events.
Rotella allegedly used more than $2.5 million in funds from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where he held a dance event, to bribe city officials. He was released on a $1.8 million bail, but he might serve up to 13 years 8 months in jail if he is convicted. Another court appearance is scheduled for July 29.
His attorney Gary Jay Kaufman has denied Rotella's involvement in the alleged crimes, calling them "completely baseless and flat-out wrong." Kaufman said last year, "All transactions between Insomniac and the Coliseum were transparent and approved by the Coliseum General Manager, his staff, and the attorneys representing the Coliseum. Any charges against Mr. Rotella are clearly politically motivated and publicity driven."
Rotella's court appearance on Monday took place just hours after he and Madison announced their wedding date on E! documentary special "Holly Has a Baby". In the documentary, Rotella revealed that he chose several rings and picked a date that would work for their busy schedule, August 14. The new mother, who welcomed daughter Rainbow Aurora on March 5, said that her life was "complete."
