Wondering what led to former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne’s ex Tom Girardi’s prison sentence? Once celebrated for his role in the landmark Erin Brockovich case, the high-profile attorney later faced serious allegations of fraud and embezzlement. His dramatic fall from grace has sparked nationwide attention.
Here’s a breakdown of Girardi’s sentencing, the charges he faced, and how his legal empire unraveled.
Why was Tom Girardi sentenced to prison?
On June 3, 2025, a federal court sentenced 86-year-old disbarred attorney Tom Girardi to seven years and three months in prison. Judge Josephine L. Staton also ordered him to pay $2.3 million in restitution and a $35,000 fine.
A jury convicted Girardi in August 2024 on four counts of wire fraud for embezzling millions from client settlements. He must report to federal custody by July 17.
From 2010 to 2020, Girardi ran his now-defunct firm, Girardi Keese, and defrauded clients by falsely claiming their settlement funds were delayed due to court or tax obligations, prosecutors said. In one instance, he told a burn victim he had secured $7.25 million when the actual settlement was $53 million (via New York Times.)
Prosecutors said Girardi ran his firm like a Ponzi scheme, using client settlement funds to cover business expenses and personal luxuries. He diverted over $25 million to EJ Global, tied to his wife’s entertainment career. He also spent client money on private jets, luxury cars, jewelry, and exclusive clubs.
Girardi gained national attention for a record 1993 settlement against Pacific Gas and Electric Co., later portrayed in Erin Brockovich. His legal career collapsed under multiple lawsuits and a 2022 disbarment. Erika Jayne filed for divorce in 2020 and was later removed from a lawsuit that accused her of knowing about the fraud.
Christopher Kamon, the firm’s former CFO, admitted to helping Girardi and received a 10-year prison sentence. He also agreed to plead guilty in a separate Chicago case set for trial on July 14. Authorities dismissed the Chicago charges against Girardi after his California conviction.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on ComingSoon.net.
