Credit: Milla Cochran/startraksphoto.com, SURQ/BACKGRID
The attorney hired to investigate Erika Jayne‘s assets explains why his investigation needs to occur rapidly as the price of the mansion the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star once shared with her estranged husband Thomas Girardi has been reduced by over a million dollars.
It’s a good thing Erika’s attorneys had a change of heart after initially dropping her – due to a “fundamental and material breakdown” with their client – because she needs representation now more than ever. Attorney Ronald Richards is beginning to look into whether Thomas and his Girardi Keese law firm fraudulently transferred assets over to Erika. Ronald suspects that Thomas improperly transferred more than $20 million over to Erika’s companies.
“Among the possible assets to be recovered are the millions of dollars of settlement proceeds which the debtor may have transferred to Erika,” the attorney wrote per Reuters. Ronald also noted that he has “already corroborated that settlement funds were diverted to Erika.”
Ronald’s allegations were included in a new request for a court order to have the reality star’s new landlord turn over records so he can determine if the funds she used to pay for her new Los Angeles home were “fraudulently procured” from Thomas and his firm.
Furthermore, Ronald claims the investigation needs to occur as quickly as possible as he fears Erika will continue to spend the funds.
“Absent the investigation occurring rapidly, Erika may further dissipate the debtor’s assets,” he wrote.
As fans know, Thomas and his firm were forced into bankruptcy months ago as he’s accused of owing millions of dollars to both creditors and his clients. As a result, the couple’s 10,277-square-foot, Pasadena mansion was placed on the market for $13 million in May, and the earnings from the sale will be dispersed among those Thomas owes.
However, the asking price on the home has just been reduced to $11.5 million as the trustees are understandably eager to unload the property.
“BREAKING: Girardi mansion listing price lowered by $1.5m to $11.5M,” Ronald Richards tweeted on June 18. “As we have repeatedly said, the property was worth no where close to the orig. estimate of $16M. This means that there will be lot less money from this asset. Trustee is pricing to sell.”
BREAKING: Girardi mansion listing price lowered by $1.5m to $11.5M. As we have repeatedly said, the property was worth no where close to the orig. estimate of $16M. This means that there will be lot less money from this asset. Trustee is pricing to sell.https://t.co/kcuiJweXjU
— Ronald Richards (@RonaldRichards) June 18, 2021
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 11 airs Wednesday nights on Bravo at 8/7c.