The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne’s estranged husband, disgraced ex-lawyer Tom Girardi, was recently found competent to stand trial for his criminal fraud case. This, after his legal team claimed that the 84-year-old’s diagnoses of Alzheimer’s and dementia rendered him unable to participate in his defense.
One of Erika’s most notable quotables is, “I’m an enigma wrapped in a riddle – and cash.” But, a judge decided that Tom is a liar wrapped in poor acting – and a raggedy sweater (allegedly). Some of Tom’s phone conversations with Erika also helped the judge come to this conclusion.
The Los Angeles Times shared the details.
Tom Girardi’s phone calls with Erika Jayne helped the judge make the decision
Tom will have to face the music, and Erika had a hand in it – inadvertently.
Tom’s lawyers argued that Tom resides in a dementia ward because he has no short-term memory. They say he doesn’t recognize them or remember the criminal case. They entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf last year due to competency concerns. Now that the competency issue is settled, regular proceedings are moving forward. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, January 10.
The judge who said Tom was fit for trial found proof that he was pretending about memory issues, both in his relationship with Erika AND in a shabby sweater he repeatedly wore during mental exams. U.S. Dist. Judge Josephine Staton released a decision last Friday. It said that Tom met the legal standard to face wire fraud charges related to a decades-long scheme that allegedly ripped off his law firm clients.
According to the judge, experts’ testimonials showed that Tom clearly understands the charges against him, and his denial of knowledge about the charges lacks credibility. The decision was initially held back for redactions.
The judge also pointed out Tom’s claim of not remembering his wife of over 20 years, Erika. Staton referred to a neuropsychologist’s testimony that Tom answered a call from his wife during a clinical interview and accurately remembered she was flying to Spain that day.
The judge wasn’t buying Tom wearing an old, tattered sweater for interviews and court dates
The judge also called out Tom’s odd choice of a hole-ridden, ill-fitting burgundy sweater. Tom sported it often for court appearances and interviews, even though he was known for his “Xxpensive” bespoke suits in his heyday. Prosecutors suggest it was a deliberate attempt to appear mentally impaired. The judge mentioned that Tom would search for the sweater in the hamper before important meetings with psychological experts. This also indicated that his short-term memory was intact.
While acknowledging Tom’s advanced age might make him less helpful to his lawyers, the judge concluded that his diminished abilities are not as severe as claimed. And, he has the ability to assist properly in his defense when stripped of his theatrics.
You can catch Erika on RHOBH, Wednesdays at 8/7c on Bravo.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK TOM’S DEMENTIA IS ALL AN ACT? DID THE JUDGE MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION?
