Teresa, Joe Giudice Scolded by Judge During Fraud Sentencing
Teresa and Joe Giudice were scolded by a judge on Thursday during their fraud sentencing hearing.
The "Real Housewives of New Jersey" stars appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas in Newark today, months after pleading guilty to committing loan and bankruptcy fraud. The reality TV couple was lectured about "glaring omissions" in their financial disclosure forms.
They reportedly failed to inform the probation office about recent purchases made including "recreational vehicles, home furnishings, cars, construction equipment" and other items, reports claim.
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"How is it that at this point the court is having to go over this?" Judge Salas asked the couple's defense attorneys.
The Giudices claimed they provided all financial information to a hired accountant, however, Salas appeared skeptical.
"I'm going to tell you that it leaves with this court a feeling of uneasiness," Judge Salas said. "It feels as if things have been hidden or concealed … They had an obligation to be transparent and candid and open with the court and I don't think I got that."
Last year, the Bravo TV stars were charged with 41 counts of fraud including several counts of bankruptcy fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, and failing to pay taxes.
While they initially pled not guilty to two charges in November, they pleaded guilty to four of the fraud charges during a hearing at the Newark Federal Court on March 4 in exchange for a plea deal. Joe, 43, faces 37 to 46 months in federal prison while Teresa faces 21 to 27 months.
The couple, who share four children: Gia, 13, Gabriella, 9, Milania, 8, and Audriana, 4, both face restitution of $414,588.90. He faces a fine of between $7,500 and $75,000 while Teresa faces a fine of $5,000 to $50,000.
In legal documents Teresa, 42, pleaded for no jail time and asked judge Salas not to take into account her role of "Real Housewives of New Jersey" because "the image is little more than a carefully crafted fiction, engineered by Bravo TV through scripted lines and clever editing," TMZ.com reported.
Teresa was filmed praying about her legal woes during a recent episode of the hit reality TV show. She read a scripture (Psalm 13:1) from the Bible.
"How long, oh Lord will you forget me? How long will You hide Your face? How long must I bear grief in my soul, the sorrow in my heart, day and night? Let my heart rejoice in Your saving help in the face of Christ our Lord. Amen," she read.
Despite the legal woes Teresa has vowed to stand by her husband, who also faces deportation back to Italy.
"When you get married. The vows are 'through good times and bad times. Through sickness and health. Till death do you part.' We're going though rough times. And we're gonna make it through," she said before reading The Lord's Prayer. "Please God I need protection right now. Joe and I...and the girls. Please protect our family. Amen."
