Kevin Tomlinson, the ex-Realtor from South Beach, Florida found guilty of trying to extort money from luxury real estate duo “The Jills” last summer, is headed to jail after all.

On Thursday, Judge Milton Hirsch sentenced Tomlinson to 364 days in jail for violating his probation and social media ban, the Miami Herald first reported.

In June, the one-time agent avoided prison time for an extortion charge after Hirsch sentenced him to two years of house arrest on the condition that he not practice real estate or post anything related to celebrity real estate agents Jill Hertzberg and Jill Eber on social media.

Kevin Tomlinson. Credit: Kevin Tomlinson

But Tomlinson just couldn’t stay away from his computer. Probation officers reported that he failed to pay court costs, left his Miami apartment without permission, and tried to contact Hertzberg and Eber on Facebook.

Prosecutors presented the court with a now-deleted post of a lengthy Vanity Fair article about the case.

“The truth will be told. Justice will be exacted. Those smiles will be wiped off their greedy faces,” Tomlinson allegedly commented above the post.

Tomlinson’s troubles first began in 2015. After filing a complaint that accused Hertzberg and Eber of hiding properties that had been on the multiple listing service (MLS) for more than six months, Tomlinson demanded $250,000, and then $400,000, from each to not share his finding with the real estate community.

The Jills. Credit: The Jills

“He goes, ‘Listen, sister, you’re going to pay me money because if you don’t, I’m going to ruin your career,'” Hertzberg testified in court.

According to reporters present in court, Tomlinson cried openly and said that he was suffering from psychological problems and a dependence on tranquilizers.

But following numerous administrative difficulties that delayed the case, Hirsch finally sentenced Tomlinson to jail time – and ruled that he will still have to complete the conditionsz of his probation when he gets out.

“I would have imposed more if you’d ask for more,” Hirsch announced.

Email Veronika Bondarenko

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×