Teresa Giudice, Joe Giudice Plead Not Guilty to Federal Fraud Charges: New Details About 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey' Couple
Reality TV star Teresa Giudice and her hot-tempered hubby returned to court Wednesday Aug. 14 and pleaded not guilty to federal fraud charges.
“They vehemently deny their guilt,” Joe Giudice’s lawyer, Miles Feinstein said. “There's an assumption of innocence and they vehemently assert their innocence."
Teresa, dressed in a khaki-colored pants suit and her dark hair up in a bun, kept her cool as photographers closed in. Joe, wearing a dark suit and surly expression, kept his hands to himself.
The last time the Giudice’s were here, Joe took a swipe at one of the shutterbugs.
“It wasn’t intentional,” Feinstein insisted. “There were cameras right in his face and people were shouting about the children.”
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They are accused of exaggerating their income while applying for loans before their reality TV show debuted on Bravo in 2009 - then hiding how well they were doing in a bankruptcy filing after their first season aired.
The combustible couple, who live in Montville Township, were charged in a 39-count indictment with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, making false statements on loan applications and bankruptcy fraud.
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Conviction on all counts could send them both to jail for up to 50 years. And because Joe, whose real first name is Giuseppe, was born in Italy and is not a U.S. citizen, he also faces deportation.
“Joe didn't know he wasn't a citizen,” Feinstein said. “The rest of his family is. Had he know and applied for citizenship he certainly would have gotten it.”
