Indicted Real Housewife Teresa Giudice Released On Bail
Teresa Giudice, the Real Housewives of New Jersey star, was released on $500,00 bail today in a New Jersey federal court. Her husband Joe — whose apparently is not an American citizen — was also cut loose on a separate bail bond for the same amount.
Both bonds totaling $1 million (which are unsecured, i.e., no collateral provided) were guaranteed by Joe’s parents, the New York Post reports, who also supposedly told reporters outside the Newark courthouse to “go f**k yourselves.”
As we previously reported, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against the couple on 39 counts of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, making false statements on loan applications, and bankruptcy fraud. Joe Giudice is also reportedly accused in the same indictment of failing to file tax returns from 2004 through 2008.
They were ordered to surrender their passports and limit their travel for the time being to the New York/Jersey area. They are due back in court on August 14. Apparently Joe could face deportation back to Italy if convicted. Both will plead not guilty, their lawyers have indicated. Teresa’s attorney claimed that “the federal government is prosecuting her because she’s a celebrity… federal prosecutors frequently target high-profile people to draw attention to their efforts.”
Yesterday, the reality show star gave the following statement to Us Weekly: “Today is a most difficult day for our family. I support Joe and, as a wonderful husband and father, I know he wants only the best for our lovely daughters and me. I am committed to my family and intend to maintain our lives in the best way possible, which includes continuing my career. As a result, I am hopeful that we will resolve this matter with the government as quickly as possible.”
The couple could face as much as 50 years behind bars if found guilty on these charges.
Are you surprised or not that Teresa Giudice is having trouble with the law and do you think she and her husband will ultimately be vindicated?
