“Real Housewives” Stars Charged with Fraud
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Larry Marano/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — It’s bad news for Real Housewives of New Jersey‘s veteran cast member Teresa Giudice, as she and her husband Joe have been accused of hiding income gained from the reality show and a slew of other charges.
U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Paul J. Fishman announced Tuesday that the Towaco, N.J.-based couple have been charged with conspiracy to commit mail, wire, bank and bankruptcy fraud along with making false statements on loan applications in a 39-count indictment.
The indictment claims that from September 2001 to 2008, Teresa submitted false information — such as fake W-2s and paystubs for jobs where she didn’t in fact work — to obtain mortgages and other loans. The indictment also claims Joe failed to file tax returns from 2004 to 2008, a period in which he allegedly earned nearly $1 million. It also accuses the pair of making false statements in bankruptcy filings, including concealing businesses and how much they earned through Real Housewives. The pair filed for bankruptcy in 2009.
In a statement to ABC News Radio, Teresa said, “Today is a most difficult day for our family. I support Joe and, as a wonderful husband and father, I know he wants only the best for our lovely daughters and me. I am committed to my family and intend to maintain our lives in the best way possible, which includes continuing my career. As a result, I am hopeful that we will resolve this matter with the Government as quickly as possible.”
The Giudices’ lavish lifestyle and multi-million dollar empire have been well documented on Bravo’s Real Housewives of New Jersey, which shows Teresa promoting her cookbooks, DVDs and a variety of products.
A spokesperson from the network had “no comment” when contacted by ABC News Radio.
The Giudices are expected in a Newark courtroom on Tuesday. The pair plan to plead “not guilty,” according to their attorney, Henry Klingeman.
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