Jen Shah has been under fire following her recent arrest for fraud and money laundering, but what are the real-life consequences she is facing? As it turns out, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star could see up to 30 years in prison for her alleged involvement in a nationwide telemarketing scam. Amid her felony charges, authorities have charged her with amassing millions from illegal crimes. Here's a look at how much Jen could owe if she's found guilty.
As fans anxiously await season two of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Jen has helped to build even more anticipation. It was just two weeks ago when the Bravo star was arrested while filming a scene for the second season. Jen was taken into police custody and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges stem from her and her assistant Stuart Smith allegedly selling "lead lists’ of innocent individuals for other members of their scheme to repeatedly scam," Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said in a press release. Jen has pleaded not guilty, but if the verdict doesn't rule in her favor, Jen could be headed to prison for 20-30 years.
Jen and Stuart allegedly used their shady telemarketing business to "victimize 10 or more persons over the age of 55,” the statement said, Vulture reports. A few days after her arrest, Jen appeared in a virtual court appearance where a judgment was set for a $1 million personal recognizance bond, backed by $250,000 in cash or property. Additionally, Jen is not allowed to leave the state of Utah and has to get approval to transfer funds over the amount of $10,000. During the hearing, prosecutors accused Jen and Stuart of amassing “no less than $5 million in crime proceeds” within the past few years. Prosecutors used this to put them as a flight risk. They also claimed the reality star “has not demonstrated a willingness to disclose her assets” to authorities.
It was during the reunion when Jen was called out by one fan who sent in a question about Jen's "Shah Squad." After host Andy Cohen asked what she did for a living, Jen explained opened up about her advertising business. “My background is in direct-response marketing for about 20 years, so our company does advertising," she said at the time. "We have a platform that helps people acquire customers, so when you’re shopping online or on the internet and something pops, we have the algorithm behind why you’re getting served that ad." Since her arrest, show fans reference the reunion as proof that Jen was involved with questionable business practices.
However, Jen is still out on bond and living life. She has resorted to reposting supportive fans who use the #FreeJen hashtag on social media. Meanwhile, her co-stars are reportedly surprised over her onscreen arrest. Viewers are anxious to see how this will all play out on the show.
Source: Vulture