As part of her plea deal, Jen Shah from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City has been ordered to hand over dozens of designer knockoff purses. The reality star is facing at least 11 years behind bars, after pleading guilty to charges linked with her alleged participation in a years-long telemarketing scheme. While the mother of two is asking for only three years in jail, viewers don't think the judge will be so lenient.
Jen was arrested during The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City season 2, which was filmed in March 2021. Jen and her assistant Stuart Smith were accused of targeting those over the age of 55 in a nationwide phone scam. Jen was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In April 2021, she pled not guilty, but switched her plea to guilty in July 2022. Since it looks like Jen will end up behind bars, her lawyers have requested that she be able to spend that time at a federal prison in Texas. The RHOSLC star's sentencing date is scheduled for January 6. Fans of the show are waiting to see what will happen to the controversial housewife.
Jen Shah Was Ordered To Hand Over Items
In a court filing via TMZ, Jen was ordered by the judge to hand over an array of personal items, including handbags, a mink stole, and other possessions. The court stipulated that US authorities could start seizing items, which the government would later sell to help pay back the victims of the telemarketing scam. Among the items were pieces of jewelry, as well as designer coats. Along with the accessories, there were also Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Versace handbags, and the government collected more than 70 counterfeit Chanel, Dior, Fendi, and Hermes purses.
Of Course, Jen Shah's Closet Was Filled With Fakes
Jen also had fake items that resembled Tiffany & Co. and Cartier designs. Most of these things were bought from knockoff stores that were based in China. Federal authorities shared an inventory of the reality star's items after the home raid, showing that Jen owned a few actual designer pieces. The RHOSLC star has agreed to a forfeiture of $6 million, and paying $9 million in restitution. Jen has always claimed on the show that she isn't fake, but her closet tells a different tale.
Bravo fans aren't surprised that Jen's closet was full of fake designer labels. Many viewers believe that most of the housewives don't own a lot of actual designer wear. Teresa Giudice from The Real Housewives of New Jersey has been called out multiple times for wearing (and even advertising) her faux labels. Even Taylor Armstrong of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fame was blasted for trying to use her fake Hermes Birkin bag to settle her legal fees. Sadly, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star was just a bit too flashy, and got caught with her hand in the cookie jar.