In a major 180, Jen Shah changed her plea from not guilty to guilty in the federal government’s fraud case against her. The hearing took place just before the July 11 court hearing. Salt Lake City Real HousewivesIn the interests of defending her innocence, her legal team and alum had been pressing for a trial to take place sooner than expected. Shah will now skip the trial to go straight to sentencing via plea agreement. She could face more than ten years in prison for her charges. Andy Cohen spoke out about the reversal himself, and surely Shah’s RHOSLC It’s not surprising that co-stars also have opinions on the matter.
How Andy Cohen Reacted To Jen Shah News
Executive producer and longtime Real Housewives reunion host addressed Jen Shah’s apparent change of heart (or perhaps a change of faith in the justice system) on his radio show recently, via People. He was in conversation with actor Jonah Hill when he revealed that he didn’t exactly “know how to feel”About the guilty plea. Hill suggested that it’s a sign that the 48-year-old mother of two has finally copped to criminal wrongdoings in the telemarketing scheme she was alleged to be involved in, one that impacted mostly elderly victims. Andy Cohen appeared to be still hedging his bets, saying:
She’s changing her plea.
Was Andy Cohen implying that Jen Shah wasn’t truly guilty, per se, but just possibly hedging her own bets on the unlikelihood of an acquittal had the case gone to an expensive trial? The answer is not entirely clear, but it’s obvious that the Bravo producer and talk show host has a soft spot for the legally embattled TV personality. Jonah Hill was able to share with him that Shah had sent a gift for his daughter’s arrival, despite all she has been through. “so nice of her.”
What do other RHOSLC castmates think about guilt pleaa?
Two of Shah’s daughters were present at the bombshell hearing just a few days before. Salt Lake City Real HousewivesCo-stars were there to support her in New York City. Page Six. The trio was rounded out by Heather Gay (who famously has always believed in Shah’s innocence) and Meredith Marks (who famously didn’t believe in Shah’s innocence at all, and was even suspected to have tipped off the feds for her arrest). The trio was not able to be reached for comment. RHOSLCCastmates have spoken out about the plea deal change. However, questions remain as to whether they knew what their friend was up to.
The Taste of Reality Instagram account posted an alleged screenshot of a preemptive statement made on Meredith Marks’ Stories prior to the turn of events. It seems that she was all for Shah proving innocence in court and didn’t see the sudden shift of plans, judging from what it made it to IG. You can see the full article here.
A source for E! NewsIt was indicated that another RHOSLCThe plea was generally received with shock by cast members as well as others. Some of them may be feeling a little bit overwhelmed. “duped, misled and lied to by their friend,”This is especially true when Jen Shah has been so insistent about her culpability for several months.
Jen Shah’s Statement on Fraud Charges
Ever since her jaw-dropping arrest played out in 2021 – while the Salt Lake City Real Housewives was in the midst of filming Season 2 no less – the star has continually maintained her innocence. She had been fighting the case pretty hard as a result, to include trying to block the show’s footage from impacting her trial and attempting to have the charges dismissed entirely (twice). After all her efforts to block the show’s footage from impacting her trial, Shah conducted her first nonBravo tell-all interview. In it, she again advocated her innocence and gave a clear message for both supporters and naysayers.
At the recent court hearing, though, the Bravolebrity admitted to the alleged crimes in a pre-written statement, saying she knew the telemarketing scheme’s offers had “little to no value”It was something she knew at the time. “wrong and illegal.”E! News following the news, Shah’s lawyer Priya Chaudhry stated:
Ms. Shah is a kind woman who crossed a line. Ms. Shah accepts full responsibility and deeply apologizes for any harm done. Ms. Shah also regrets her husband, children and friends who were hurt. Jen pleaded guilty because she wanted to pay off her debts to society, and leave this ordeal behind her family.
Jen Shah continues to film the third season of her series despite the legal troubles. Peacock Premium subscriptions allow fans to catch up with seasons from the past. People reported that Bravo wants to keep the cameras rolling until the end, just as it did in the days leading up to the show. RHONJ’S Teresa Giudice is going to prison on fraud charges in 2015.
The former Utah businesswoman is likely to face even more severe punishments for her alleged crimes. Jen Shah in fact faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, but she’s speculated to have taken a 14-year plea deal, to be coupled with financial restitution for victims. We’ll find out more when she sees official sentencing on November 28.