On May 23, 2025, a California court upheld a ruling that Jason Cardiff, owner of Redwood Technologies, must face the consequences of violating court orders by remaining in Ireland. As a result, two acquaintances who secured his bail—Lilia Murphy and Brian Kennedy—now risk losing over $530,000 in assets.
What Happened with Jason Cardiff?
Jason Cardiff, linked to Redwood Technologies and facing legal issues tied to RengaLife, was released on bail in the U.S. with conditions that he remain under supervision. His bail was secured by:
- Lilia Murphy, who put up her $500,000 home.
- Brian Kennedy, a Redwood Technologies board member, who contributed $30,000 in cash.
In January 2025, Cardiff traveled to Ireland for medical reasons but failed to return to the U.S. as ordered by the court. This prompted a March 2025 ruling declaring him a fugitive, vacating his trial date, and ordering the forfeiture of the $530,000 bail. Cardiff, Murphy, and Kennedy filed motions to reverse or modify this decision, arguing that Murphy and Kennedy shouldn’t be punished for Cardiff’s actions.
Why the Court Rejected Their Motions
The court’s May 23 ruling was firm, citing Cardiff’s deliberate violation of bail conditions. Key points include:
- Fugitive Status: Cardiff remains in Ireland, ignoring multiple court orders to return to the U.S.
- Medical Excuses Questioned: Cardiff claimed a “three to four month” medical treatment plan, but later extended this to “several months to over a year,” raising doubts about his intentions. The court found his medical excuses unconvincing and manipulative.
- Lack of Credibility: Cardiff’s minimal communication with Pretrial Services (one-sentence emails) was deemed insufficient, and his actions were labeled “egregious” and “unacceptable.”
- Impact on Bondholders: Despite Murphy and Kennedy’s pleas, the court ruled that the bond forfeiture stands, as Cardiff’s willful disobedience directly violated the terms they guaranteed.
Lilia Murphy, married to Cardiff’s attorney Stephen Cochell, shared in an affidavit that she trusted Cardiff to comply with bail conditions while living in her Houston home. She believed his assurances that he would return and felt compelled to help him by posting her home as collateral. Murphy described her home as her “refuge” and argued it was unfair to lose it due to Cardiff’s actions. Kennedy’s connection stems from his role at Redwood Technologies, but he similarly argued he shouldn’t face financial loss.
The Court’s Stance
The court expressed concern that Cardiff has no intention of returning to the U.S. anytime soon, if at all. His history of filing five motions to dismiss— with a hearing on the latest scheduled for June 2, 2025—further suggests attempts to delay proceedings. The judge emphasized that Cardiff’s actions, not those of Murphy or Kennedy, triggered the forfeiture, but the bond agreement holds them accountable
Why This Matters
This case underscores the risks of securing bail for others, as Murphy and Kennedy now face significant financial losses due to Cardiff’s decisions. It also highlights the challenges courts face in managing defendants who flee or exploit medical claims to avoid accountability. For investors or consumers involved with Redwood Technologies or RengaLife, this ruling raises red flags about Cardiff’s credibility and the legitimacy of his ventures.
What’s Next?
The forfeiture of the $530,000 bond is finalized unless Cardiff returns to the U.S. and complies with court orders. The June 2 hearing on his latest motion to dismiss may provide further clarity, but his fugitive status complicates the case. Meanwhile, Murphy and Kennedy face the loss of their assets, a stark reminder of the consequences of guaranteeing bail.