One hand in her pocket... Alanis Morissette’s manager embezzled millions

'Hand In My Pocket': Alanis Morissette
Getty
Rashid Razaq19 January 2017

Alanis Morissette's former business manager has admitted embezzling millions of pounds from the singer and other celebrities.

Jonathan Schwartz, 48, who has previously represented Beyoncé and Mariah Carey, agreed to plead guilty to federal charges, prosecutors said.

He admitted stealing almost $5 million (£4.06 million) from Morissette between May 2010 and January 2014.

He used the money himself and listed the cash withdrawals as “sundry/personal expenses”. When confronted, he lied and said he invested the money in an illegal marijuana growing business on her behalf, prosecutors said.

Embezzlement: Jonathan Schwartz
Rex Features

Schwartz also admitted stealing $2.3 million (£1.87 million) from five other clients whose identities were not disclosed in court documents or by lawyers.

Nathan Hochman, defending, said Schwartz had cooperated fully and accepted responsibility. His plea deal calls for a sentence of between four and six years in prison, although a judge could sentence him to up to 23 years.

Schwartz had offered financial guidance to some of the biggest stars while working at GSO Business Management, a firm that boasts of its relationship with entertainers such as Katy Perry, 50 Cent and Tom Petty. The embezzlement was discovered after Morissette, 42, known for hits such as Ironic and Hand In My Pocket, left Schwartz. Her new business manager then realised millions of dollars were missing. Schwartz, of Los Angeles, is due in court on February 1 to answer the criminal charges.

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