Joe and Teresa Giudice charged with 39 counts of bank, mail, and wire fraud and tax evasion

Joe Giudice frustrated and angry

Real Housewives of New Jersey‘s Joe and Teresa Giudice have been charged with 39 counts of fraud including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, making false statements on loan applications and bankruptcy fraud. As part of the indictment, Joe Giudice was charged with failure to file tax returns for the years 2004 through 2008, a period from which he reportedly made about $1 million.

U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman made the announcement today:

“The indictment returned today alleges the Guidices lied to the bankruptcy court, to the IRS and to a number of banks. Everyone has an obligation to tell the truth when dealing with the courts, paying their taxes and applying for loans or mortgages. That’s reality.”

On top off all of this, Joe will be a facing a trial this fall on identify fraud charges for using his brother’s identity.

Bravo had no comment, but Teresa issued a statement saying “today is a most difficult day for our family.” Her lawyers said Teresa will plead not guilty, and that they will plead not guilty and that they “look forward to vindicating her.”

Here is Teresa Giudice’s full statement:

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. Thank you all for your kind wishes, prayers and support.

In 2010, fresh off of fame from the first season of Real Houseewives of New Jersey, Joe and Teresa garnered major headlines by filing for bankruptcy and claiming to be $11 million in debt. By the next year they decided to withdraw the bankruptcy because they faced an a lawsuit from a Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee over alleged hidden assets. At that time Joe pleaded the Fifth Amendment when trustee John Sywilok asked him about concealing assets.

Here’s the text of the Fifth Amendment:

“No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”


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