Bravo TV Stars Teresa and Joe Giudice Indicted for Fraud
On Monday, July 29, 2013, Teresa Guidice and Joe Giudice, stars of the Bravo reality TV series “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” were indicted on federal fraud charges. The 39-count fraud indictment includes such charges as conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Also, charges include wire fraud, bank fraud, bankruptcy fraud, and making false statements on loan applications.
Making False Statements on Loan Applications
The Real Housewives of New Jersey couple is accused of exaggerating their income on loan applications before the Real Housewives of New Jersey show debuted in 2009. The indictment states that from 2001 to 2008, the couple submitted a series of fraudulent mortgage and other loan applications. They made fraudulent claims about their employment status and salary information on the applications.
In addition, in 2001, Teresa filed for a mortgage loan for $121,000. On the mortgage application, she falsely claimed that she worked as an executive assistant. Then, she submitted fake W-2 forms and pay stubs to support the income claims.
Bankruptcy Fraud
In 2009, Teresa and “Juicy Joe” filed a petition for bankruptcy protection after the first season of the reality show aired on Bravo TV. Also, the indictment accuses the notorious couple of hiding their improved financial situation when they filed for bankruptcy. The couple concealed businesses, rental income, the complete details of Teresa’s income from the “Real Housewives,” website sales, and income from personal appearances.
Legal prosecutors said the Giudices also concealed their anticipated increase in income from the then-upcoming second year of the RHONJ show.
Tax Evasion
In addition, the government said that Joe Giudice failed to file income tax returns for 2004 through 2008, when he allegedly earned close to $1 million.
The reality TV stars are scheduled to make their initial court appearances Tuesday.
What Teresa and Joe Giudice are Saying
Teresa’s attorney, Henry Klingeman, said she would plead “not guilty.” Teresa issued a statement, accompanied by raccoon eyes and crocodile tears, saying it was a difficult day for her family. However, she supports her husband and hopes to resolve the case with the government as quickly as possible. “I am committed to my family and intend to maintain our lives in the best way possible, which includes continuing my career,” she said.
Joe’s attorney has yet to comment. Bravo has not commented.
What the U.S. Government is Saying
The United States Attorney on the case, Paul Fishman, said the indictment alleges “the Giudices lied to the bankruptcy court, to the IRS and several banks.” He added, “Everyone must tell the truth when dealing with the courts, paying their taxes, and applying for loans or mortgages. That’s a reality,” he said.
Their Sentence and Time Served
Juicy Joe and Teresa were sentenced to brutal prison for their crimes. However, it didn’t ruin their celebrity status. It may propel them into further, perhaps more significant, stardom. Teresa received a sentence of 15 months in federal prison, and she served 11 months. Joe received a 41-month sentence and is currently serving in federal prison.
After he was released from prison, Joe was deported from the United States and now lives in Italy.
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