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'SVU' Star Allegedly Swindled By Business Manager

NEW YORK (AP) - A star of the TV series "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'' is getting her own taste of law and order - in real life.

Manhattan prosecutors say Tamara Tunie was swindled of more than $1 million by her business manager.

According to court papers, Joseph Cilibrasi and his accounting firm started stealing from Tunie in 2002, listing himself as her husband to secure a credit card tied to her account. He is also accused of writing checks to himself.

The 50-year-old Manhattan man pleaded not guilty earlier this week and is held on $100,000 bail.

He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Cilibrasi's attorney says Tunie was "fully aware'' of the transactions and he'll fight the charges.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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