Manager Stole Millions from Alanis Morissette
Jonathan Todd Schwartz received a six-year federal prison sentence for embezzling $4.8 million from the singer.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Former business manager Jonathan Todd Schwartz was sentenced to six years in federal prison in 2017 after pleading guilty to wire fraud and tax crimes. Investigators confirmed Schwartz embezzled a total of $7.2 million from his clients, including $4.8 million from Alanis Morissette.
Why it matters
The case exposed significant gaps in financial oversight that allowed a trusted advisor to misappropriate millions over an extended period. Morissette only uncovered the theft after performing a rigorous personal review of her financial accounts alongside her husband.
Jonathan Todd Schwartz received a six-year federal prison sentence for his crimes. The case was overseen by United States District Judge Dolly M. Gee.
The players
Alanis Morissette
She is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter who discovered the embezzlement of her finances.
Jonathan Todd Schwartz
He is a former business manager who pleaded guilty to stealing millions from his high-profile clients.
Dolly M. Gee
She is a United States District Judge who oversaw the sentencing proceedings for the defendant.
The details
Morissette identified financial inconsistencies while reviewing her accounts, prompting her to repeatedly visit a new business manager to demand information. Her persistence eventually forced the discovery of the missing millions taken by Schwartz.
Timeline
Jonathan Todd Schwartz was sentenced to federal prison in 2017.
Schwartz discussed his past conduct on a podcast in August 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern of high-profile financial fraud prosecutions where internal client review triggered official investigations. It remains a notable precedent for how the judicial system handles white-collar crimes involving significant breaches of fiduciary duty.
The case highlights the importance of maintaining direct oversight of one's financial records even when using professional management services. Residents and clients are encouraged to regularly review account statements to ensure transparency and prevent potential unauthorized activity.
The takeaway
Maintaining active involvement in your personal financial management is the most effective defense against professional misconduct. Regularly scrutinizing your own account statements can help catch discrepancies that may otherwise go unnoticed for years.
Further reading
Learn more about how the legal system addresses fraud in the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RadarOnline.
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