14 DAY TRIAL // Teresa and Joe Giudice, stars of Bravo’s hit reality series “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” are in a world of trouble right now. They have been charged with 39 counts of fraud and risk spending the next 30 years of their life behind bars.
Below is a video of the two walking out of the courtroom after the 39-count, 30+-page indictment was read. They did not enter their pleas because they’re scheduled to be arraigned on August 14.
However, Teresa has already said that she plans to plead “not guilty” to all the charges.
NJ.com reports that the two sat facing the judge during the hearing, not once saying a word. They maintained their composure on the walk out of the court as well.
“The 39-count indictment accuses them of conspiring to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars in mortgages and other loans and of hiding assets and income during their past bankruptcy proceedings,” the report notes.
If the Giudices are found guilty, Joe could be sent back to Italy after he does time here, because he’s not a legal US citizen.
For the time being, the two have been asked to surrender their passports and told not to leave New Jersey. Joe will also have to submit himself to drug testing, but not Teresa.
“Addressing a horde of media outside of the courthouse after the hearing, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman — who on Monday announced the 39-count federal indictment against the Giudices — said a plea deal has not been discussed with either defendant at this early stage,” NJ.com writes.
“In addition to the charges that he and his wife both face, Joe Giudice is also accused of failing to file tax returns from 2004 to 2008, when he allegedly earned nearly $1 million [€752,502],” the publication further explains.
The 33-page indictment is available in full here.