A California court on May 23 certified a judgment holding Jason Cardiff responsible for bond forfeiture, requiring his acquaintances to surrender over half a million dollars. The ruling followed Cardiff's continued presence in Ireland, which directly violated multiple pre-trial release orders.
The legal action stems from a March court order that found Cardiff in breach of his bail conditions. That prior ruling mandated the forfeiture of his secured bail. Cardiff's bail was originally guaranteed by a $500,000 property owned by Lilia Murphy and a $30,000 cash payment from Brian Kennedy.
After the initial bond forfeiture judgment, Cardiff filed a motion requesting it be set aside or modified. Murphy and Kennedy, the bondholders, followed suit on March 20, submitting their own motions with similar requests. They argued they should not face penalties for Cardiff's decision to remain abroad beyond his scheduled return date of January 19, 2025.
Both Murphy and Kennedy asserted they had repeatedly urged Cardiff to comply with court directives and return to the United States. Murphy specifically stated she had asked him on numerous occasions, citing the risk to her home. The bondholders contended that the court should not proceed with the forfeiture of assets from third parties until Cardiff's intent not to return became unequivocally clear.
Jason Cardiff is known as the owner of Redwood Technologies. Brian Kennedy serves on Redwood Technologies' Board of Directors. Lilia Murphy is married to Stephen Cochell, who acts as Cardiff's attorney. The property Murphy pledged for the bond originated from a previous marriage.
Murphy's affidavit, filed in support of her motion, provided a detailed account of her involvement. She stated she met Cardiff while living with Cochell and understood Cardiff was in detention, requiring bail for release. Cochell informed her that the court might permit Cardiff's release into their custody, allowing Murphy's home to serve as security. She explained she felt a strong obligation to assist.
Murphy expressed confidence that she and her husband could manage the situation and oversee Cardiff's bond conditions while he resided with them. She also recounted Cardiff's offer of 900,000 shares in Redwood Technologies as a gesture of gratitude. Murphy declined, stating she expected nothing in return, and considered the shares akin to "monopoly money."
After Cardiff visited his doctor in Ireland, he reportedly discussed his medical issues with Murphy. She asked him directly if he intended to return. Cardiff assured her, replying, "Of course, I'm coming back. I would never do that to you. I would never want to be a fugitive." He then inquired about having a downstairs bedroom upon his return. Murphy stated she believed and trusted his assurances.
Murphy acknowledged signing the Affidavit of Surety and understanding the potential risk to her home if bond conditions were violated. Yet, she maintained that she and Cochell had ensured Cardiff's compliance throughout his time living at their Houston residence. Her home, she stated, served as her refuge and security, where she lived with her husband and three dogs.
The May 23 certification by the California court solidifies the forfeiture judgment, legally holding Jason Cardiff responsible for the actions that placed over half a million dollars in assets belonging to Lilia Murphy and Brian Kennedy at risk.