Tom Girardi, the former attorney and estranged husband of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Erika Jayne, has been sentenced to seven years and three months in prison for wire fraud. The 86-year-old was also ordered to repay over $2 million in restitution after a federal jury convicted him on four counts. Girardi was found guilty of stealing millions from clients over more than a decade, including $3 million from the families of victims from the 2018 Lion Air crash that resulted in the deaths of 189 people.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Girardi used his status as a prominent attorney to misappropriate client funds, diverting over $25 million from his law firm’s account to cover personal expenses for EJ Global, a company tied to Jayne’s entertainment career. This misappropriated money was utilized for luxury items, including cars, jewelry, and private jet travel.
Girardi gained notoriety for his role in the landmark 1993 groundwater contamination case against Pacific Gas and Electric Co., which inspired the film “Erin Brockovich.” Following the emergence of fraud allegations, Jayne filed for divorce in 2020, stating that the legal separation continues due to Girardi’s mental and physical decline stemming from Alzheimer’s disease; however, she has denied knowledge of his fraudulent actions.
Despite claims of confusion due to his health, Girardi was deemed competent to stand trial. On the day of his sentencing, Jayne was in London preparing for a performance, reflecting on overcoming difficult times in a Vogue U.K. interview, emphasizing that resilience is essential as one navigates challenges.
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