Tom Girard Found Guilty of Four Counts of Fraud in High-Profile Case
Former Los Angeles Attorney Convicted in Ponzi Scheme Involving Millions of Dollars
Tom Girard, once a powerful Los Angeles attorney, has been found guilty of four counts of fraud related to a Ponzi scheme that defrauded his clients of millions over a decade. The 85-year-old lawyer, who gained notoriety for his involvement in high-profile cases, was convicted for siphoning off at least $15 million from four clients, many of whom had suffered serious physical injuries or lost loved ones.
Details of the Case
Jurors delivered their verdict on Tuesday morning, concluding a trial that centered on Girard’s fraudulent activities between October 2010 and late 2020. Prosecutors presented evidence that Girard used the stolen funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, including private jets, expensive jewelry, and a sprawling Pasadena estate that was frequently featured on the reality show “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” His wife, Erika Girard, known as pop singer Erika Jayne, starred in the show.
The Ponzi Scheme and Its Victims
Girard’s fraudulent activities came to light through a federal investigation that revealed he had been embezzling millions from his clients, including the families of victims of the 2018 Lion Air Flight JT 610 disaster. The crash, which claimed 189 lives, involved a Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft. Prosecutors highlighted how Girard’s firm was in financial turmoil by late 2020, leading to its eventual bankruptcy.
Despite his long-standing reputation as a “champion of justice,” Girard’s deception ran deep. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada remarked, “Tom Girard created a celebrity status and deceived victims by falsely portraying himself as a ‘champion of justice.’ In reality, he was the reverse of Robin Hood, stealing from the poor to support a lavish, Hollywood lifestyle.”
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
Girard has consistently denied the accusations. His federal public defender, Charles Snyder, argued that Girard’s cognitive impairments, including dementia and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, worsened over time, rendering him incapable of managing his firm’s operations. Snyder suggested that other members of Girard’s now-defunct law firm, Girardi Keese, were responsible for the theft, stating that Girard “wasn’t paying much attention” due to his declining health.
However, federal prosecutors maintained that Girard’s actions were intentional and calculated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Mogadas argued during closing statements, “He wanted the outside world to believe he was fighting for people who couldn’t help themselves,” but in reality, his clients were left waiting for settlements that never came.
Sentencing and Potential Prison Time
Girard now faces up to 80 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for December 6. While his age and health may be factors the court considers, U.S. Attorney Estrada emphasized that the possibility of prison time remains. “The simple fact that he is elderly does not mean that we do not investigate the possibility of prison,” Estrada stated.
Girard’s Rise and Fall
Tom Girard once enjoyed a celebrated career, securing million-dollar settlements in several high-profile cases. His involvement in the 1996 water pollution lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric, which inspired the film “Erin Brockovich,” solidified his status as a legal titan. However, his reputation was tarnished by the Hulu documentary series “The Housewife and the Robber,” which aired in 2021 and detailed the accusations against him.
Lavish Lifestyle and Reality TV Fame
Girard’s opulent lifestyle, heavily featured on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” became a focal point of the case. His estranged wife, Erika Jayne, displayed the wealth accumulated from Girard’s illegal activities, flaunting designer clothes, jewelry, and sports cars on the show. The couple’s extravagant life starkly contrasted with the suffering of Girard’s defrauded clients.
In the aftermath of the scandal, Girard’s assets, including Los Angeles Lakers championship rings, expensive wines, and other valuables, were auctioned off as part of his firm’s liquidation. Despite these efforts, the damage done to his victims remains immeasurable.
Conclusion
Tom Girard’s conviction marks the downfall of a once-celebrated attorney who exploited his clients’ trust for personal gain. As he awaits sentencing, the legal community and the public are left to reflect on the consequences of his actions. With the potential for a lengthy prison sentence, Girard’s story serves as a cautionary tale of greed and deception in the legal profession.
For more information on this case and other legal news, visit CBS News.
Marissa Wenzke is a journalist based in Los Angeles. She holds a BA in political science from UC Santa Barbara and is a graduate of the Columbia School of Journalism.
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