In a high-profile trial that captivated audiences, former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Tom Girardi, the 85-year-old estranged husband of reality TV star Erika Jayne, was found guilty of four wire fraud charges on Tuesday. Girardi, a disbarred attorney, was convicted of embezzling millions of dollars from his former clients over the span of a decade.

The charges against Girardi included allegations that he stole $3 million from the family members of victims who perished in the 2018 Lion Air crash, a tragedy that claimed the lives of 189 people. Tyler Hatcher, the special-agent-in-charge for the IRS criminal investigation unit, described Girardi's actions as exploiting his clients' misfortunes on a "grand scale."

Both the FBI and IRS were alerted to Girardi's illicit activities by victims who reached out across districts. The 13-day trial revealed how Girardi misappropriated and embezzled funds from trust accounts for his clients. Prosecutors argued that Girardi used his prominence as a high-profile attorney to steal money from clients involved in cases of severe injuries.

While Girardi's public defender attempted to shift blame onto his law firm's former chief financial officer, Christopher Kamon, who is being tried separately, one of the firm's accounting employees testified about a secret bank account where funds were transferred without Girardi's knowledge. Norina Rouillard, the accounting employee, also mentioned that Girardi appeared to be in cognitive decline by late 2020, stating that he struggled with memory and appeared delusional.

Girardi's competency to stand trial had been questioned due to his alleged diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. However, a judge ruled that he was competent enough to face trial and dismissed claims that his symptoms were exaggerated. As a result, Girardi's assets have been frozen, and he has been residing in an assisted living facility.

Girardi gained recognition for his involvement in the 1993 groundwater contamination lawsuit against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, which served as the inspiration for the film "Erin Brockovich." However, he became best known for his appearances on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," where he and his wife showcased an extravagant lifestyle. The legal battles surrounding Girardi have become a prominent storyline for Erika Jayne on the show.

Federal prosecutors revealed that Girardi diverted more than $25 million from his law firm's operating account to finance Jayne's entertainment career under a company named EJ Global. They also assert that the couple spent millions on luxury items such as private jet travel, jewelry, expensive cars, and exclusive clubs.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada condemned Girardi's actions, accusing him of betraying the trust of his vulnerable clients who sought his help after traumatic events. Estrada called Girardi's behavior "truly repugnant" and attributed it to his insatiable appetite for money.

Erika Jayne, who filed for divorce in 2020 amidst the allegations against Girardi, has repeatedly denied any knowledge of her husband's embezzlement. Although she was initially named in a lawsuit linking her to the embezzlement, she was dismissed from the case in 2022. In a documentary appearance, Jayne expressed remorse and apologized to the victims whose money was stolen.

Girardi's guilty verdict marks a significant development in a high-profile case that has exposed a series of financial wrongdoings. As the legal repercussions unfold, the victims affected by Girardi's actions may finally see a measure of justice served.