Jen Shah’s legal problems will take up a significant portion of the upcoming season of “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” with a new report claiming she’s still filming the Bravo series after pleading guilty to wire fraud and money laundering.
As previously reported, Jen appeared in a New York courthouse on Monday, where she agreed to forfeit $6.5 million and pay restitution up to $9.5 million as she faces up to 30 years in prison, per NBC News. And now, according to PEOPLE, the 48-year-old has opted to continue to participate in the upcoming third season of RHOSLC as filming continues.
Erika Jayne running into Jen Shah at the maximum security state prison pic.twitter.com/RPTs2bxprv
— Adil (@Kylieesi) July 11, 2022
“She’s had Meredith [Marks] and Heather [Gay] by her side, who have been very supportive of their friend during a difficult time,” a source told the news outlet, adding that Jen’s court drama will play a huge part in the next series. “Obviously her legal troubles have not been easy for Jen, let alone making this decision to plead not guilty.”
During her appearance in court, Jen said, “We used interstate telephones and emails. I knew many of the purchasers were over the age of 55. I am so sorry.” She also admitted to offering misrepresentations regarding the value of the product or service she was selling to vulnerable customers, confessing that her business was deceitful.
When Judge Sidney Stein asked her if she knew whether her scam practices were “wrong and illegal,” she replied, “Yes, your Honor.” Because she ended up pleading guilty, there will be no need to move ahead for a trial — Jen is looking at up to three decades behind bars.
One of the worsts things about this Jen Shah’s scenario is that she let her mom spent her retirement money to help in the case, while she knew damn well she was guilty #RHOSLC
— Hauss of Chaos (@ChaosHousewives) July 11, 2022
After her plea, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, shared, “Jennifer Shah was a key participant in a nationwide scheme that targeted elderly, vulnerable victims.
“These victims were sold false promises of financial security but instead Shah and her co-conspirators defrauded them out of their savings and left them with nothing to show for it. This Office is committed to rooting out these schemes whatever form they take.”
Meanwhile, a statement from Jen’s rep, contended the statement, insisting, Ms. Shah is a good woman who crossed a line. She accepts full responsibility for her actions and deeply apologizes to all who have been harmed. Ms. Shah is also sorry for disappointing her husband, children, family, friends, and supporters. Jen pled guilty because she wants to pay her debt to society and put this ordeal behind her and her family.”