Teresa & Joe Giudice Indicted on Bank Fraud & Tax Evasion, Face 50 Years in Prison!
July 29, 2013 by Hollywoodite
Teresa Giudice and husband Joe Giudice have been indicted on 39 counts of bank fraud and tax evasion by a federal grand jury.
According to U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman, these counts include ”conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, making false statements on loan applications and bankruptcy fraud.” Joe was also charged with failing to file his tax returns between 2004-9.
The indictment alleges, the couple also ”lied to the IRS, bankruptcy court, and a number of banks as they illegally obtained mortgages and other loans, hid assets and income, and attempted to defraud lenders.”
If convicted, the couple faces up to 50 years in prison… each.
Two of the stars of the Bravo television show “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” were charged today in a conspiracy to defraud lenders and illegally obtain mortgages and other loans as well as allegedly hiding assets and income during a bankruptcy case, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Teresa Giudice, 41, and her husband, Giuseppe “Joe” Giudice, 43, both of Towaco, N.J., were charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, making false statements on loan applications and bankruptcy fraud in a 39-count indictment returned today by a federal grand jury. The indictment also charges Joe Giudice with failure to file tax returns for tax years 2004 through 2008, during which time he allegedly earned nearly $1 million.
“The indictment returned today alleges the Guidices lied to the bankruptcy court, to the IRS and to a number of banks,” U.S. Attorney Fishman said. “Everyone has an obligation to tell the truth when dealing with the courts, paying their taxes and applying for loans or mortgages. That’s reality.”
Teresa began appearing on Bravo’s “Real Housewives” franchise in 2009. Her husband’s legal troubles have often been discussed on the series. They have four young daughters who also appear on the show.
“The privilege of living well in the United States carries certain real responsibilities…” Shantelle P. Kitchen, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “Today’s indictment alleges the Giudices did not live up to their responsibilities by failing to file tax returns, falsifying loan applications and concealing assets in their bankruptcy petition.”
Teresa’s attorney said she will plead not guilty and that “we look forward to vindicating her.”
The star also issued her own statement saying “today is a most difficult day for our family.” She added that she supports her husband and is committed to continuing her career. – via FOX News.
They haven’t been arrested, however, they’re due in court tomorrow morning in Jersey.
“Real Housewives of New Jersey” stars Teresa Giudice and her husband Joe have just been slapped with a laundry list of criminal charges — ranging from bank fraud to tax evasion — and now, they both face more than 50 years in prison if convicted.
U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman just announced the 39-count indictment, claiming Teresa and her hubby massively defrauded the IRS as well as several banks between 2001-2008.
According to the U.S. Attorney, the Giudices conspired to illegally obtain mortgages and other loans from multiple banks by intentionally overestimating their incomes in order to get more money.
The Giudices also allegedly withheld vital information about their net worth from a U.S. bankruptcy trustee after filing for Chapter 7 in 2009 — including Teresa’s true income from the reality show.
As for tax evasion, Joe is accused of failing to file income tax returns for the years 2004-2008, during which he allegedly earned $1 million.
All told, the Giudices were hit with 39 charges — including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, which carries a max prison sentence of 20 years, and bank fraud, which carries a max of 30 years. The remaining charges carry the possibility of even more prison time. – via TMZ.