Tom Girardi Convicted of Wire Fraud

Tom Girardi, an 85-year-old former personal injury attorney and estranged husband of 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star Erika Jayne, has been convicted of embezzling over $15 million from his clients through a decade-long scheme. Following a 13-day trial, a federal jury found him guilty on four counts of wire fraud, revealing that he siphoned funds intended for clients, including those with severe injuries and families of deceased victims. Prosecutors characterized Girardi as a 'Robin-Hood-in-reverse,' highlighting how he misappropriated settlement funds to sustain a lavish lifestyle, including private jets and jewelry. Girardi's legal troubles culminated in his disbarment in 2022, and he has been diagnosed with dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Despite his defense arguing that his cognitive impairment led to the mismanagement of his firm, the jury deliberated for only a few hours before reaching a verdict. Girardi's case has drawn significant media attention, including a Hulu documentary detailing his fraudulent activities.