Real Housewives' Star Teresa Giudice And Husband Indicted On Alleged Tax Evasion And Fraud Charges

Teresa Giudice and her husband Joe, two of the stars of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, having been indictment on charges relating to bank fraud and tax evasion. The indictment was issued today (Monday 29th July) by U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman.

Joe and Teresa Giudice at a book signing in Miami, Florida.

Fishman announced the indictment against the couple which listed 39 charges dating from between 2001 and 2008. The couple defrauded the banks and misled the IRS by misrepresenting their assets and income. Through deliberate misrepresentation Fishman announced Teresa and Joe Giudice were able to obtain mortgages and loans from several banks. 

With regards to the IRS, the charges against the Giudices concern Teresa allegedly neglecting to reveal her true income from her role on The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Joe is also accused of tax evasion for the years 2004-2008, a period in which he allegedly earned over $1 million. 

Furthermore, the according to the New York Daily News, the couple managed to disguise their wealth and went so far as to file for bankruptcy in 2009 (shortly after they had appeared in the first series of The Real Housewives of New Jersey). 

Teresa Giudice at a promotional event for her cookbook Fabulicious in West Hampton, New York.

Fishman, following his announcement, went on to say "everyone has an obligation to tell the truth when dealing with the courts, paying their taxes and applying for loans or mortgages. It's reality."

The couple appear on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, the second highest rated show of the Real Housewives franchise, with Teresa being one of the five women the cameras follow on their day-to-day ventures. The show is into its fifth season, Bravo its producers have yet to comment on Giudice's indictments. 

The Giudices have not been arrested but they are due to appear in court in Jersey on Tuesday 30th July. If convicted, the couple could face more than 50 years in prison. 

Teresa and Joe Giudice at a book signing in Florida.