Former Girardi Keese Accountant: Kamon ordered to pay nearly $9M in restitution for role in law firm’s collapse
April 15, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com — A former top accountant at the now-defunct Girardi Keese law firm has been sentenced to over 10 years in prison for defrauding both the firm and its clients. The ruling delivers a sharp blow to those involved in one of California’s most notorious legal scandals.
Court Sentences Kamon to Over 10 Years
Christopher Kazuo Kamon, 51, received a 121-month federal prison sentence from Judge Josephine L. Staton. The court also ordered him to pay nearly $9 million in restitution. Authorities arrested Kamon in The Bahamas in late 2022. He later pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud in October 2024.
Judge Staton called Kamon a central player in a “web of deceit and manipulation.” She emphasized that his actions deepened the harm inflicted on vulnerable clients.
Millions Stolen from Settlement Funds
Kamon worked alongside Tom Girardi, 85, to steal from injured clients over a decade. One of the worst cases involved a burn victim from the 2010 San Bruno gas pipeline explosion. Girardi had secured a $53 million settlement. However, he told the client it was only $7 million.
Rather than protect the client’s funds, Kamon helped reroute the money to cover law firm expenses. He and Girardi also used it to pay previous victims whose own settlements had already been misappropriated. To keep the deception going, they sent small “interest” checks and false updates about nonexistent accounts.
Kamon Profited from the Scheme
Kamon didn’t just help embezzle funds—he also used the firm’s money to enrich himself. He set up fake vendors and submitted fraudulent invoices to pay for renovations at his homes in Encino and Palos Verdes.
In one outrageous move, he funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars to a female companion, including a $20,000 monthly stipend. She had no ties to the law firm. These payments came directly from the firm’s operating accounts.
Kamon’s Actions Accelerated the Firm’s Collapse
Federal officials said Kamon’s misconduct helped accelerate the law firm’s downfall. Girardi Keese filed for bankruptcy in December 2020 and dissolved by early 2021. The State Bar of California disbarred Girardi in July 2022. A jury recently found him guilty of multiple counts of wire fraud.
Meanwhile, Kamon, Girardi, and former Girardi Keese lawyer David R. Lira now face a second criminal trial in Chicago this July.
Federal Authorities Vow Continued Accountability
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated, “Kamon enabled Girardi’s scheme for nearly 20 years. Ironically, his own lies helped bring it to an end.”
IRS Special Agent Tyler Hatcher added, “Kamon treated the firm’s finances like a personal piggy bank. Our teams traced every dollar and helped bring him to justice.”
The IRS Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI led the investigation. Prosecutors continue to recover assets for victims of the scheme.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
FAQs: Former Girardi Keese Accountant Sentenced
What was the sentence in the Former Girardi Keese accountant sentenced case?
Christopher Kazuo Kamon received over 10 years in federal prison and was ordered to pay nearly $9 million in restitution.
How did the Former Girardi Keese accountant sentenced case impact clients?
Kamon helped divert millions from client settlement funds, including money from a $53 million gas explosion settlement, worsening harm to victims.
What role did Kamon play in the Former Girardi Keese accountant sentenced case?
Kamon was a central figure who created fake vendors, misused firm accounts, and funneled money to personal luxuries and companions.
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