Tom Girardi went from 90210 legal royalty to one of the most disgraced names in Bravo history. When fans first met Tom on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, he was winning big settlements and hosting opulent dinner parties with his wife, Erika Jayne. But after being accused of embezzling funds from victims and found guilty, the final chapter of Tom’s legal nightmare has come to an end after a long court battle. So, what duration of imprisonment awaits Tom and which additional punishments must he accept aside from his prison sentence? Here’s what we know.
How long is Tom Girardi’s prison sentence?
The court sentenced Tom to spend seven years in federal prison. The once high-profile lawyer, who is currently 86 years old, received a conviction for multiple wire fraud counts and misappropriating client settlement funds. Multiple charges arose because Tom mismanaged millions designated for clients, including the families affected by the Lion Air flight tragedy. The sentencing finally came after a lengthy investigation that uncovered a disturbing pattern of behavior. According to allegations, Tom stole money from vulnerable clients to support his lavish way of living. It was claimed that he financed his Pasadena mansion and private jets through embezzled funds and supported Erika Jayne’s pop music career, which disappointed XXPEN$IVE fans.
During the trial, the prosecution delivered a compelling tale of treachery, where Tom was painted as a man who exploited both his professional standing and his client’s suffering to achieve personal benefits. The judge delivered strong judgments on Tom’s conduct, and prosecutors were pushing for a 14-year sentence. The judge had allowed him to remain free until his sentencing but ordered him to surrender to authorities by July 17.
Tom Girardi was ordered to pay restitution
Due to his advanced age and late-stage Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis in 2021, his release from prison seems improbable. Along with his prison sentence, Tom will have to pay back fines and $2.3 million in restitution. The amount of the restitution may escalate further based on the results of ongoing civil suits and pending financial audits. The Department of Justice stated that victim repayment remains its top concern, but realistically, recovering those funds is likely impossible. During his trial, the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California noted, “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.”
So far, Tom has sold off many of his real estate holdings, including the notorious Pasadena mansion that included its own church. The home sold for way less than its original value. Debt collectors also took Erika’s designer garments and Tom’s legal souvenirs. The funds recovered so far amounts to only a tiny portion of the total debt. The court sentence represents both a symbolic gesture and practical recognition that actual individuals experienced harm as a result of Tom’s misconduct. The State Bar of California faces ongoing criticism for its apparent failure to act on Tom’s misconduct despite numerous reports spanning decades.
What statement has Erika Jayne made regarding Tom’s imprisonment?
Since her divorce filing from Tom in 2020, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star has kept her distance. Throughout the legal battle, Erika displayed mixed emotions as anticipated. Fans watched as she rode an emotional rollercoaster during multiple seasons, which at times felt like a tactical decision. Throughout the legal process, Erika stated that she was unaware of Tom’s criminal activities until the revelations came to light. In the most recent season, Erika shared she “never saw this coming.” Adding, “Tom was loved, he was admired, he was accomplished. And this is how his story ended. I don’t know that I’ll ever get over that.”
For the most part, Erika has declined to discuss the outcome of the criminal trial and rarely expressed sympathy towards the victims. Since the sentence, Erika’s been noticeably quieter on social media. There are no sharp-witted comments or glamorous latex photos. Only ambiguous reposts about recovery and progress. For now, Erika is keeping her thoughts to herself. One thing’s for sure: The legacy of the Girardi name will remain prominent for many years to come. The combination of court proceedings with Hulu documentaries alongside Bravo stories has demonstrated what occurs when power intersects with money and personal pride.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is available to stream on Peacock and Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
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