Jen Shah, star of reality program Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, has pleaded guilty in her federal fraud case.
According to court documents Page Six claims to have obtained, the 48-year-old appeared in court overnight – around 10.30am on Monday morning in Manhattan, New York City – and changed her plea from not guilty to guilty in a surprise hearing. As Shah’s guilty plea was for count one, conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing, the count two – conspiracy to commit money laundering – charge was dropped by the United States attorney.
The guilty plea also means she will not stand trial, though her sentencing hearing is scheduled for November, and the nature of her charge means she would face a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison.
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“Ms. Shah is a good woman who crossed a line. She accepts full responsibility for her actions and deeply apologises to all who have been harmed,” Priya Chaudhry, Shah’s attorney, told People in a statement.
“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.”
The reality star is married to former American football player Sharrieff Shah, and shares sons Sharrieff Shah Jr. and Omar with her husband.
Shah agreed not to appeal her sentence if it is 168 months or fewer, which equates to 14 years in prison. Judge Sidney H. Stein reportedly made sure the reality star understood that the maximum penalty she faces is 30 years in prison and five years’ supervised release. Her plea agreement, however, means that Shah is likely to face only 11 to 14 years behind bars, plus a restitution of up to $US9.5 million (approx. $14.1 million).
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Prior to the count two being dropped, Shah was facing a 50-year prison sentence, and was scheduled to appear in court for a trial on July 18.
Shah has previously vehemently denied the charges laid against her, however, in court overnight, it is understood she apologised for her actions and admitted wrongdoing.
According to a Twitter thread from Inner City Press’ Matthew Russell Lee, who has been in court covering the case, Shah admitted to knowing her actions were “illegal.”
“Wire fraud, offering services with little to no value,” the reality star told the judge when he asked what she did. “We used interstate telephones and emails. I knew many of the purchasers were over the age of 55. I am so sorry.”
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In March 2021, Shah, alongside her assistant Stuart Smith, was arrested on conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing and conspiracy to commit money laundering charges.
Allegedy, they “defrauded hundreds of victims,” and specifically targeted multiple people over the age of 55 in a scheme that spanned the entirety of the United States.
Shah’s arrest was filmed and aired on the second season of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, and while the third season started shooting with Shah earlier this year, it is unclear if her recent days will be shown on Bravo.
In April last year, Smith changed his plea from not guilty to guilty. Until now, Shah has professed her innocence.
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