Additional Coverage:
- Tom Girardi, former ‘Real Housewives’ husband, sentenced to 7 years for stealing millions from clients (nbcnews.com)
Disgraced Lawyer and Former Reality TV Husband Sentenced to Prison
Tom Girardi, the once high-profile attorney and ex-husband of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Erika Jayne, has been sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison for embezzling millions of dollars from his clients. U.S.
District Judge Josephine L. Staton also ordered the 86-year-old Girardi to pay $2.3 million in restitution and a $35,000 fine.
Girardi’s crimes spanned over a decade, during which he stole settlement funds intended for victims of tragedies, including families of those killed in the 2018 Lion Air crash. He used elaborate lies to deceive his clients, falsely claiming delays were due to tax obligations or other legal hurdles, while he used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle.
“This self-proclaimed ‘champion of justice’ was nothing more than a thief and a liar,” stated U.S. Attorney Bilal Essayli.
This sentencing follows Girardi’s conviction on four counts of wire fraud in August. His former head of accounting, Christopher Kamon, received a 10-year sentence for his role in the scheme, and Girardi’s son-in-law, David Lira, faces trial next month on related federal fraud charges.
Girardi’s once-storied career included the landmark 1993 groundwater contamination case that inspired the film “Erin Brockovich.” He later gained notoriety through appearances on “RHOBH” alongside his then-wife, Erika Jayne. Prosecutors revealed that Girardi diverted over $25 million from his law firm to finance Jayne’s entertainment career, covering expenses like luxury cars, private jets, and jewelry.
Jayne filed for divorce in 2020 amidst the emerging allegations against Girardi. While she has maintained her ignorance of his fraudulent activities, the scandal has cast a long shadow over her career.
Coincidentally, Jayne was in London preparing for a performance on the day of Girardi’s sentencing. In a recent interview, she reflected on overcoming difficult times, emphasizing the importance of taking small steps towards recovery.
Girardi, who has been residing in an assisted care facility, was deemed fit to stand trial despite his lawyers’ arguments regarding his Alzheimer’s disease. He is ordered to surrender to federal authorities by July 17.