Teresa Giudice, one of the stars of Bravo’s Real Housewives of New Jersey, and her husband Joe Giudice, face a substantial amount of prison time for various criminal charges.
U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced on Monday that the Giudices face up to more than 50 years in prison for allegedly defrauding the IRS from 2001-2008.
According to TMZ, the Giudices were indicted on 39 counts, including tax evasion and conspiring to illegally get mortgages and other loans from numerous banks.
When they filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2009, they withheld the mom of four’s income from her Bravo reality show. Joe allegedly didn’t file income tax returns from 2004-2008, during which he reportedly earned $1 million.
Reuters reports among their other charges are bank fraud and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
“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," Teresa said in a statement through her lawyer. "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."
Meanwhile Fishman argues, "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."
Joe and Teresa have not been arrested but will appear in court on Tuesday.
image: NBC