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Reality TV Personalities Face Possible Jail Terms

Mar 4, 2014  •  Post A Comment

Two reality personalities are looking at the possibility of up to two years in jail after reaching a plea agreement in a fraud case. Deadline.com reports that "Real Housewives of New Jersey" couple Teresa Giudice and Giuseppe “Joe” Giudice entered guilty pleas today to four fraud charges against them.

"As a part of a plea agreement with New Jersey’s U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman, the reality TV duo could face up to 2 years in jail for the mortgage and bankruptcy fraud charges when they are sentenced on July 8," the story reports. "The ‘Housewives’ cast members were first indicted last July on dozens of federal charges that potentially could have put them behind bars for decades and having to pay millions in fines. Under federal guidelines, which government lawyers have indicated they want to fully pursue, Joe Giudice now faces a potential sentence of 37 to 46 months while Teresa could get 21 to 27 months behind bars."

In a statement after the hearing, Teresa Giudice said: “I am heartbroken that this is affecting my family. Especially my four young daughters, who mean more to me than anything in the world. I have said throughout that I respect the legal process and thus, I intend to address the court directly at sentencing. I will describe the choices I made, continue to take responsibility for my decision, and express my remorse to Judge Salas and the public.”

Bravo wasn’t talking when asked for a comment about the plea deal or whether the couple could be expected back for season six of "Real Housewives," the report notes. The couple has been a part of the show since the first season of the New Jersey incarnation in 2009.

"The bulk of the initial 39 charges filed last year … which the duo previously [pleaded] not guilty to, stem from false income statements on loan and mortgage documents and failure to file tax returns before the Garden State version of the reality TV franchise debuted in May 2009," the article reports. "More charges were added in November of last year, which the couple also [pleaded] not guilty to. The fifth season of ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey’ ended on September 29 last year with the reunion show airing in early October."

Thumbnail image for joe and teresa giudice.jpgJoe and Teresa Giudice

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