A few weeks ago, reality TV stars Teresa and Joe Giudice pleaded not guilty to federal charges of massive fraud.
Appearing in a Newark courtroom before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas, the couple said nothing as their attorneys entered the not guilty pleas on their behalf. After hearing the pleas, the judge set a trial date of October 8.
The entire proceeding lasted just five (5) minutes.
Mr. and Ms. Giudice star on the hit Bravo cable television series “Real Housewives of New Jersey.” They were charged in July in a sweeping federal indictment that accused the couple of conspiring to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars in mortgages and other loans. The indictment also alleged that Mr. and Ms. Giudice hid significant assets and income during a two-year bankruptcy proceeding.
If convicted, Mr. and Ms. Giudice could be sentenced to dozens of years in federal prison. Additionally, Mr. Giudice could be deported to Italy if he is found guilty on any of the charges.
The couple remains free on $500,000.00 unsecured appearance bonds.
For more information, see the NJ.com article entitled “‘Real Housewives’ Star Teresa Giudice and Husband Enter ‘Not Guilty’ Pleas in Fraud Case.”
