Judge Orders Mental Evaluation for Tom Girardi

A federal judge has ordered convicted former attorney Tom Girardi, 85, to undergo a mental evaluation at FMC Butner in North Carolina to assess whether he should serve his sentence in prison or a medical facility. This decision follows defense arguments highlighting Girardi's cognitive decline and suggesting he requires lifetime hospitalization instead of incarceration. Girardi, previously convicted of embezzling over $15 million from clients, was scheduled for sentencing but will instead have a status conference after the evaluation, which is expected to last up to 30 days. While Girardi's defense claims he poses no threat to society, federal prosecutors argue for a significant custodial sentence, citing concerns over his potential malingering regarding his mental health. Judge Josephine L. Staton emphasized the need for a thorough assessment before determining the appropriate course of action for Girardi's sentencing. The outcome of this evaluation will significantly impact the final decision on Girardi's fate following his high-profile fraud case.