ERIKA Jayne’s estranged husband, Tom Girardi, has been sentenced to more than 7 years in prison for embezzling ‘tens of millions of dollars from injured clients.’
The high-profile attorney was one of the most successful legal figures in Los Angeles history – but his empire came crashing down after he was accused of stealing millions from his clients in December 2020.
According to a press release from the California district attorney’s office, Tom, 86, was sentenced to 87 months in prison – just over 7 years.
The statement said that the sentencing comes due to Tom’s part in “leading a years-long scheme in which he embezzled tens of millions of dollars of settlement money that belonged to his clients, some of whom awaited payment for treatment of severe physical injuries.”
Judge Staton also ordered Tom to pay a $35,000 fine and $2,310,247 in restitution.
The judge ordered Tom to surrender to federal authorities no later than July 17.
Following the sentencing, prosecuting attorney Bill Essayli released a scathing statement that annihilated Tom’s actions.
“This self-proclaimed ‘champion of justice’ was nothing more than a thief and a liar who conned his vulnerable clients out of the millions of dollars.
“My office will vigorously prosecute corrupt lawyers and those who assist them in criminal activities.”
IRS special agent Tyler Hatcher added: “This sentencing brings a level of recompense for countless victims of Mr. Girardi’s long-running scheme to enrich himself on the backs of clients who trusted him in some of their worst days.
“Mr. Girardi thought he could outsmart his victims and investigators, but this sentencing demonstrates criminals cannot evade the unrivaled acumen of IRS-CI special agents in following the money, as well as the effectiveness of our partnerships with fellow law enforcement organizations like the FBI.”
The bombshell sentencing comes after Tom’s legal team attempted to have his sentence be at the assisted living facility where he has been residing due to being diagnosed with dementia.
“We believe he is in need of specialized treatment. Mr. Girardi is frail, elderly and in danger of being exploited or taken advantage of behind bars,” Tom’s attorney, Sam Cross, stated.
However, the judge ruled on Monday that despite Tom’s apparent mental state, he will be sentenced to a federal prison and not a care facility.
RHOBH star Erika Jayne’s husband Tom Girardi ‘will not live much longer’ so divorce will ‘never happen,’ lawyer claims
In August 2024, the husband of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika was found guilty of four counts of wire fraud.
Meanwhile, Erika, 53, is facing legal problems of her own due to her association with Tom.
MESSY HISTORY
The Pretty Mess singer is being sued by her ex’s bankruptcy trustee for $24 million after being accused of knowingly benefiting from fraudulent transfers of funds from Tom’s firm.
Despite it being more than four years since Erika filed for divorce, their case has completely stalled due to her ex’s failing health.
Jim Wilkes, who is representing Erika in a civil case in Florida, told The U.S. Sun, “ I don’t know that the divorce will go anywhere. He’s not competent to defend it.
“I don’t know that you could have a divorce in these circumstances,” he said, adding that Erika may have to wait “until he dies.”
“Tom made a lot of mistakes, I get that, but I think he’s suffering from dementia. I don’t think he’ll live long.
“I think he is far beyond understanding what he’s being punished for. It makes me sad. I disagree with how it all happened.”
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Cast
Bravo has shaken up the Real Housewive of Beverly Hills cast once again. Crystal Kung Minkoff announced that she will not return to the reality show for Season 14. Here’s a look at who stars on the Bravo show now.
- Kyle Richards
- Erika Jayne
- Sutton Stracke
- Garcelle Beauvais
- Dorit Kemsley
- Kathy Hilton
- Bozoma Saint John
In November 2020, Erika shocked Bravo fans when she abruptly moved out of her Pasadena palace she shared with Tom and announced she was filing for divorce.
However, just a few months later, it was publicly revealed that Tom had been diagnosed with dementia and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease – stalling divorce proceedings.
Due to currently being caught up in legal proceedings of her own, Erika has been minimal in what she’s been allowed to talk about involving her husband.
However, she did recently say on the Bravo Aftershow that she is in “no way” in contact with Tom – and that it was “very sad” to see his health detoriating.
Tom and Erika tied the knot in 2000 after he met the young blonde at a restaurant where she was working as a waitress.
Though they do not share any kids together, he has children from previous marriages, and Erika has a son from a past relationship.
