Joe and Teresa Giudice, who has been featured in the reality television series "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," both submitted guilty please to some of 41 counts of bankruptcy fraud on Tuesday, the New York Daily News said. The latest development will have the couple facing potential prison sentences and a deportation for Joe, who is an Italian citizen.
The Garden State-based duo allegedly dealt with unscrupulous financial dealings during a two-year bankruptcy proceeding. The newspaper said Giudices resorted to lying to banks, hiding assets and money and skipping out on paying state taxes. The court saw Teresa pleading guilty to four counts, while husband Joe pleaded guilty on five counts. The Giudice patriarch allegedly failed to file income taxes for four years.
New York Daily News said that Teresa could face a maximum of 27 months in prison. Joe will reportedly stand to get a much-heavier penalty at up to 46 months. At the time of her sentencing, Teresa paid $200,000 and would reportedly forfeit additional cash, with the amount to be determined by the judge.
Observers noted the couple's stylish arrival in court, with Joe wearing a dark overcoat over his pinstripe suit and tie and was wearing tinted glasses. Teresa had her hair blown and added extensions, and wore a deep plum-colored textured coat with a dark sash tied on the waist. New York Daily News said that they kept silent throughout the sentencing hearing in Newark Federal Court.
Henry Klingeman, the Giudice's lawyer, read Teresa's statement after the couple left the court, which read, "Today, I took responsibility for a series of mistakes I made several years ago," she said. "I am heartbroken that this is affecting my family - especially my four young daughters, who mean more to me than anything in the world."
Federal Judge Esther Salas said sentencing of the duo will be held on July 8, with the terms to be given in staggered terms to ensure one parent is at home with their four kids. Teresa, who is one of the more popular characters int he "Real Housewives" series, said she is still with the show's sixth season, Klingeman added.
