Former CFO of Girardi Keese Receives 121-Month Sentence for Embezzlement
April 15, 2025, 11:32 am CDT
Image caption: Attorney Tom Girardi of the now-defunct law firm Girardi Keese outside a Los Angeles courthouse in July 2014. (Photo by Damian Dovarganes/The Associated Press)
The financial landscape of the once-renowned law firm Girardi Keese was recently shadowed by a significant legal development. Christopher Kazuo Kamon, the firm’s former Chief Financial Officer, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for his involvement in a major embezzlement scheme. His actions have prompted a federal court ruling that also mandates him to repay over $8.9 million in restitution.
On April 11, a press release detailed Kamon’s sentencing, following his guilty plea in October 2024 to two counts of wire fraud within the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. U.S. District Judge Josephine L. Staton characterized Kamon’s conduct as part of a “web of deceit and manipulation,” reflecting the profound breach of trust that occurred during his tenure at the firm.
Kamon’s criminal activities were closely intertwined with those of former name partner Tom Girardi, who was convicted in August 2024 for stealing $15 million from clients across ten years. Girardi, a prominent figure known for his high-profile cases and connections to popular culture, including the film Erin Brockovich and his marriage to reality television star Erika Girardi, has since faced disbarment.
The Impact of Fraudulent Practices
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Staton articulated the dire consequences of Kamon and Girardi’s fraudulent practices, sharing heartfelt accounts from victims. One case involved a family unable to purchase necessary housing equipment for their quadriplegic child due to the funds being embezzled. Another incident highlighted a widowed client who, misled by the firm’s assurances about her settlement, faced financial ruin and was compelled to take out a home equity loan.
Ongoing Legal Challenges for Kamon
In addition to the California charges, Kamon is reportedly facing federal accusations in Illinois for allegedly misappropriating funds from victims’ families following an air crash. His attorney, Michael Severo, has indicated that a plea deal may allow Kamon to serve his sentences from both cases concurrently.
This legal saga underscores the ripple effect of corporate malfeasance in the legal realm, highlighting the vulnerability of clients who rely on legal professionals for justice and financial restitution.
For additional perspectives on this case, publications such as Law360, Law.com, and Reuters have detailed coverage of Kamon’s sentencing.
