Los Angeles, California — Disgraced attorney Tom Girardi, once a prominent figure in the legal field and known for his association with the reality TV star Erika Jayne, received a federal prison sentence of 7 ¼ years on Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton emphasized the severity of Girardi’s crimes, which involved the theft of millions from clients, during the sentencing. The decision raised questions about whether Girardi, now 86 and in deteriorating health, would survive the consequences of his actions.
In a courtroom filled with victims of his fraudulent schemes, Judge Staton referenced Girardi’s former lifestyle, saying he lived lavishly on money meant for his clients. “Lawyers often carry influence and wield considerable power, yet they must be held accountable,” she remarked. The judge noted that Girardi’s history warranted a significant sentence, despite his advanced age.
Although the sentencing range had been adjusted from 135-168 months to 87-108 months due to health considerations, Judge Staton made it clear that Girardi’s prior conduct merited a lengthy prison term. Girardi is set to report to federal custody on July 17.
In addressing the court, Girardi expressed a sense of regret but maintained that, while negligence occurred, all clients had been compensated. His public defender, Sam Cross, argued for confinement in a memory care facility, citing Girardi’s condition and claiming prison would serve as a form of cruel punishment for someone in his late years.
Federal prosecutor Scott Paetty contested Girardi’s assertions, stating that the defendant misled victims regarding settlements and attempted to downplay his mental decline. “He thought he could escape accountability due to a lifetime of manipulation,” Paetty claimed, urging the court not to view Girardi’s delayed consequences as a mitigating factor.
A jury previously convicted Girardi of four counts of wire fraud after a 13-day trial. Sentencing was temporarily postponed on grounds that Girardi required evaluation for potential mental health issues. Following a hearing, the judge determined he did not warrant hospitalization.
During a court hearing, Girardi displayed moments of confusion, and cross-examining lawyers took note of troubling signs regarding his cognitive state. Nevertheless, Judge Staton remarked on his awareness of the charges against him and suggested that a prison sentence would require a reckoning with his actions.
The scope of Girardi’s fraud extended beyond his most well-known clients. Victims, like Joseph Ruigomez and Josefina Hernandez, recounted personal losses and betrayals linked to Girardi’s actions. Ruigomez expressed profound disappointment, stating, “The system let us down. He was supposed to be a beacon of justice.”
Despite Girardi’s conviction, he may still face additional legal trouble. He has been charged in federal court in Chicago regarding the embezzlement of settlement funds from victims of the Lion Air crash. However, the prosecution recently indicated plans to drop these charges, citing Girardi’s prior convictions and age.
While Girardi awaits his prison term, the consequences of his actions continue to reverberate through the lives of those he defrauded. Victims have voiced their frustration, declaring that justice has been slow and inadequate. Hernandez articulated this sentiment, emphasizing that others, including Girardi’s associates, should also be held responsible for enabling his criminality.
As the legal battles unfold, the fallout from Girardi’s past actions has not only siphoned funds from vulnerable clients but also shattered trust within the legal community. Judge Staton closed her remarks by acknowledging the difficulty of her decision but underscoring the need for accountability in cases of such egregious misconduct.
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