Thomas Vincet Girardi, the former ‘Housewives’ husband and disgraced lawyer, was declared competent to stand trial, paving the way for the 84-year-old to go before a jury for allegedly embezzling more than $15 million from legal clients.
Following a three-day competency hearing, Judge Josephine L. Staton of the Central District of California announced her decision in a docket entry, filing an "order finding defendant competent to stand trial." Judge Staton said that her full order was filed under seal and attorneys have been given five days to identify to the judge which portions of the ruling should remain sealed.
Girardi — the estranged husband of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Erika Jayne — was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2021 and now resides in the memory ward of an Orange County nursing home.
The former prominent lawyer is facing multiple counts of wire fraud, a crime carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years on each count.