Real Housewives of New Jersey stars Joe and Teresa Giudice appeared in a Newark court this morning, following Monday’s news that they will be charged with allegedly defrauding the IRS for eight years.
As we previously reported, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said Monday that if the two are convicted, they could face up to 50 years in prison. The 39-count indictment included tax evasion and conspiring to illegally get mortgages and loans from banks.
The fraud allegedly took place between 2001 and 2008. Prosecutors claim that they didn’t file earnings from the Bravo reality series when they filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in 2009.
According to TMZ, the two were in court today, but didn’t put in a plea. They posted $500,000 bond, surrendered their passports and will only be able to travel within New York and New Jersey. In addition, Joe, who isn’t a U.S. citizen, can be drug tested.
“They're presumed innocent,” attorney Miles Feinstein told the press before the court appearance, notes the New York Daily News. “They maintain their innocence. They're supporting each other."
The two did not speak with the press. They are due back in court for federal arraignment on Aug. 14.
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