She got imprisoned because of fraud, now, she might stay because of her mountains of debt.
The star of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” Jen Shah, is said to owe the business representing her in a fraud case of 124,422.95 dollars. According to documents obtained from the court system, her counsel claims that this sum represents unpaid expenses and fees amounting to $74,422.95 and due payments totaling $50,000.00.
On March 24, Shah’s attorney, Priya Chaudhry, submitted a move to resign as counsel, stating that the reality star breached her company’s contract by failing to pay the fees mentioned above and expenses. The motion was filed to withdraw as counsel.
According to the records filed with the court, the corporation attempted several attempts to collect unpaid fees and expenditures from Shah, including six times since July 2022. Specifically, one of the “attempts” was in 2022. Chaudhry also states in her filing that Shah and her husband, Sharrieff Shah agreed to pay these fees and costs. This allegation is included in the filing.
According to Chaudhry’s move to withdraw, “Defendant and her husband repeatedly promised to pay these outstanding amounts, and the Firm continued to provide services,” relying on the written engagement with Defendant and the pledges of her husband.
The former Bravo housewife was taken into custody in March 2021 on suspicion of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a statewide telemarketing operation. The allegations stemmed from the star’s alleged participation in the scheme.
In federal court in July 2022, Shah altered her plea from not guilty to guilty to the federal counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Before this, Shah had pleaded not guilty to the allegations. Shah was given a prison sentence of six and a half years in January.
Chaudhry released a statement when she served her sentence, emphasizing that Shah is prepared to emerge from this experience as a better person.
According to what Chaudhry said in an interview with E! News on February 17, “Jen Shah’s determination to make her victims whole and to turn her life around is unwavering. She is committed to serving her sentence with courage and purpose, and this resolve is fueled by her desire to make amends for the hurt she has caused and to help others in her new community,” the sentencing reads. “She has vowed to do so.”
According to the inmate record maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Shah’s prison sentence has been reduced by one year since the incident. Her representative has lately revealed that preparations are being made to fulfill the staggering restitution obligation of $6.5 million she owes to her victims.
“She has begun making payments toward restitution, and we hope to have her home as soon as possible so that she may resume life with her family and work and put this chapter of her life behind her,” the representative said. “She wants to put this chapter of her life behind her as soon as possible.”
Moreover, as part of Shah’s forfeiture responsibility, federal agents have just started seizing her jewels as part of the agreement.