Real Housewives star Jen Shah pleaded guilty in her fraud case. Shah, arrested last year due to charges regarding fraud and money laundering, switched her plea to non-guilty in a hearing at the District Court. Before, the trial was set for the 18th. Of course, this caused her to trend online as people reacted to the news. According to the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, “Jennifer Shah was a key participant in a nationwide scheme that targeted elderly, vulnerable victims.”
BREAKING: Jen Shah, the "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star who was charged with running a nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme is expected to plead guilty in federal court this morning, according to court filings.
— Chloe Atkins (@chloe_aatkins) July 11, 2022
In the statement from the attorney, Damian Williams, 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.” Shah and her assistant were both arrested for scamming people, many people over 55, and the scam ran for over a decade.
Shah had previously pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, she’s having a change of plea hearing right now.
More details as they come in…
— Chloe Atkins (@chloe_aatkins) July 11, 2022
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent-in-Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said that although Shah flaunted their lifestyle due to success, “they allegedly built their opulent lifestyle at the expense of vulnerable, often elderly, working-class people.” The sentencing will come in November. Prosecutors plan to ask the judge for a sentence of 11 to 14 years and over 9 million dollars in restitution, per a plea deal. But, the judge does not have to do this and can act how he sees fit. Many people were surprised to see her change her plea, especially with it coming so last minute.
Lord give me the same confidence as Jen Shah showing up to her fraud trial decked head to toe in Gucci and Louis https://t.co/wRR2SA8AV8
— Mona Lisa Vitriol (@monalisavitrol) July 6, 2022
Many people also felt for Shah’s mother, who vehemently believed in her daughter’s innocence and supported her since she was arrested last year. “The fact that Jen Shah joined a reality show while committing fraud makes you realize how much drug fame is for a narcissist,” one person noted on Twitter. Many are now wondering about the punishment Shah will receive, although it will be several months until we know.
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