Giudice, Husband Indicted: 'Real Housewives' Stars Face 39 Counts of Fraud
"Real Housewives" star Teresa Giudice and her husband, Giuseppe "Joe" Giudice, were indicted on federal fraud charges Monday.
The reality couple has been accused of exaggerating income when applying for loans and not disclosing full income amounts when applying for bankruptcy after they appeared on the "Real Housewives" reality show in 2009. Both husband, 43, and wife, 41, face a 39-count indictment according to reports.
In 2009 the couple filed for bankruptcy claiming over $10 million worth of debt. In an interview just after the filing, Teresa Giudice said on "The View" that she and her husband had run into trouble because tenants living in homes rented out by her husband had failed to pay rent in a downturned economy. The indictment includes conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, making false statements on loan applications and bankruptcy fraud.
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In addition, Joe Giudice also faces penalties for failing to file tax returns from 2004-2008, making false claims about employments status and salaries. During that time he is alleged to have earned nearly $1 million.
"The indictment returned today alleges the Giudices lied to the bankruptcy court, to the IRS and to a number of banks," U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman told The Daily News. "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."
The couple also failed to report income increases after a second season of "Real Housewives" was announced. The show is now in its fifth season. A representative from Bravo would not comment on the case, according to the Daily News.
Those who watch the show did not appear supportive of the reality couple, suggesting that they had it coming.
"Teresa and Joe have gotten away with alot. This time they will be held accountable ... with about 39 counts against them, they will do time and I say its about time," one user said on the Daily News blog.
