A federal grand jury has indicted two stars of the
"Real Housewives of New Jersey" on charges of bank and bankruptcy
fraud.
The indictment, unsealed in Newark on Monday, charges Teresa
and Giuseppe "Joe" Giudice on 39 counts.
They are accused of submitting fraudulent mortgage and other
loan applications from 2001 through 2008, a year before their show debuted on
Bravo. Prosecutors said they made false claims about their employment status
and salaries.
Joe Giudice is also accused of failing to file tax returns
for the years 2004 through 2008, when he is alleged to have earned nearly $1
million.
The couple is accused of hiding info in a 2009 bankruptcy
protection petition, including businesses they owned and Teresa Giudice's true
income.
In a statement, Teresa Giudice said this was a "most
difficult day" for her family.
"I support Joe and, as a wonderful husband and father,
I know he wants only the best for our lovely daughters and me," she said
in the statement. "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."
Her attorney, Henry Klingeman, said his client will plead
not guilty.
"The judicial process that begins today with an
indictment is a search for the truth," Klingeman said in a statement.
"As it moves forward, we look forward to vindicating her."
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