Calif Attorneys Accused of $3M Fraud in Lion Air Crash Settlement

CHICAGO — Two California attorneys have been indicted on federal fraud charges, accused of misappropriating over $3 million intended for relatives of victims in the Lion Air Flight 610 crash. THOMAS V. GIRARDI, 83, and DAVID R. LIRA, 62, both of Pasadena, are charged with eight counts of wire fraud and four counts of criminal contempt of court by the U.S. District Court in Chicago.

Girardi and Lira, along with Christopher K. Kamon, 49, who served as Girardi Keese’s head of accounting and finance, are alleged to have misused settlement funds intended for clients after a lawsuit against Boeing Co., following the crash of Lion Air Flight 610 in 2018. The money was meant for relatives of the victims.

The indictment reveals that the defendants attempted to conceal their actions by falsely stating Covid-19 pandemic delays and serious issues with Boeing, despite Girardi Keese having already received the funds from Boeing. The government seeks forfeiture of $3,069,500 from the defendants.

U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating that “Attorneys who violate the trust of their clients and breach a fiduciary duty must be held accountable.” FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler Jr. added that taking advantage of victims during their vulnerable time is despicable.

The indictment reminds the public that an indictment is not evidence of guilt, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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