A police raid at Jen Shah's Utah house located a number of counterfeit designer bags and jewelry The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star had in her possession. Jen is under the microscope as she prepares for her sentencing date on felony fraud and money laundering charges. Jen could be starring in her last season of the show as she awaits an impending prison sentence. Jen is on the hook for upwards of 30 years, for prosecutor claims that she ran a nationwide telemarketing scheme. After pleading guilty back in July, Jen could receive a plea deal, but is still expected to do some time behind bars.
Ahead of Jen's sentencing date in January, newly leaked documents list the counterfeit items police seized from Jen's Utah home during a raid in March 2021. Around 30 counterfeit luxury bags and around 40 pieces of counterfeit luxury jewelry were seized during the raid, TMZ reports. Police discovered Jen was in possession of fake bags from luxury designers like Chanel, Balenciaga, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, and Fendi. All the bags were made in China. Additionally, Jen had a number of fraudulent jewelry from high-end brands like Bulgari, Chanel, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, Hermes, and Tiffany & Co. Police seized the counterfeit pieces following Jen's arrest while filming RHOSLC season 2.
Jen Shah's Guilty Plea Led to Her $9.5M Restitution
There were also real designer items Jen had in her possession, including a few pieces from co-star Meredith Mark's line. As part of Jen pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, she agreed to forfeit $6.5 million to help pay up to $9.5 million in restitution. The reveal of the seized items comes amid Jen's statement confirming her absence from the RHOSLC season 3 reunion. Because of Jen's legal case, she found it best to skip the reunion to avoid further incriminating herself. In her statement, Jen revealed that she initially wasn't invited since producers thought she would be sentenced by now.
But Jen was invited in November after her sentencing was pushed back to January. However, after receiving legal advice, Jen found it best to skip out on attending what could be her last reunion. Jen is facing 14 years for her involvement in the telemarketing scheme that targeted hundreds of unsuspecting elderly people. She was in the middle of filming a scene for RHOSLC season 2 at the time of her arrest. Jen defended her honor throughout the season before pleading guilty after filming wrapped. RHOSLC season 3 followed Jen's emotional breakdown over her impending sentencing.
Fans have been expressing their skepticism about the future of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City in wake of Jen's absence. Season 3 saw a lot of feuding between the cast with no real loyal friendships among the group. Much of the drama centered around Jen and her defensive response to any mention of her or her legal case. With Jen being involved in so much of the show's lead drama, viewers are doubtful the franchise will contain its limelight among all franchises. With Mary Cosby and Jen Shah gone, the show might be in need of some new faces.
Source: TMZ