Why ‘RHOSLC’ star Jen Shah entered last-minute guilty plea in fraud case

Reality TV

Jen Shah’s attorney revealed the reason the “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star entered a last-minute guilty plea in her federal fraud case.

“Jen pled guilty because she wants to pay her debt to society and put this ordeal behind her and her family,” Priya Chaudhry tells Page Six.

“Ms. Shah is a good woman who crossed a line. She accepts full responsibility for her actions and deeply apologizes to all who have been harmed,” she explains.

“Ms. Shah is also sorry for disappointing her husband, children, family, friends and supporters,” Chaudhry adds of the mom of two, who shares sons Sharrieff Jr., 28, and Omar, 19, with husband Sharrieff Shah Sr.

Jen, 48, pleaded guilty Monday when she appeared in front of US District Judge Sidney Stein in Manhattan federal court, reversing her previous not guilty plea.

Jen Shah posing in a fur coat.
Jen Shah’s attorney tells Page Six why the “RHOSLC” star pleaded guilty in her federal fraud case.
therealjenshah/Instagram

Under a plea deal, the embattled Bravolebrity admitted her guilt on one count, conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing, while the US attorney agreed to drop the other count against her, conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Jen faces a maximum of 30 years in prison and five years of supervised release. However, the plea agreement called for only 11 to 14 years behind bars and restitution of up to $9.5 million.

Jen Shah leaving court.
Shah appeared in Manhattan federal court Monday.
Stefan Jeremiah for New York Pos

Prior to the second count being dropped, she faced 50 years in prison. Her sentencing is set for November.

The reality TV personality — who was spotted in the Big Apple with co-stars Meredith Marks and Heather Gay before her court appearance — apologized for her actions and admitted wrongdoing to the judge Monday. (She previously offered vehement denials both on “RHOSLC” and in court.)

Jen Shah crying at the "RHOSLC" Season 2 reunion.
The Bravolebrity apologized for her actions and admitted wrongdoing to the judge.
NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

“Wire fraud, offering services with little to no value. We used interstate telephones and emails,” she responded when asked what she did wrong, according to Matthew Russell Lee of Inner City Press. “I knew many of the purchasers were over the age of 55. I am so sorry.”

Jen also admitted her actions were “wrong and illegal.”

Jen Shah posing outdoors.
Shah allegedly scammed hundreds of people out of money, targeting the elderly in particular.
therealjenshah/Instagram

Jen allegedly scammed hundreds of people out of money through a nationwide telemarketing scheme. Her March 2021 arrest was documented on “RHOSLC” Season 2.

Sources confirm to Page Six exclusively that Bravo cameras followed Jen leading up to her court appearance Monday, though Season 3 technically wrapped production earlier this year. A trial was originally scheduled to begin in March and was then postponed to July.

Jen Shah walking into court before pleading guilty to fraud.
Sources confirm to Page Six that Bravo cameras followed Shah leading up to her New York City court appearance.
Alec Tabak

Jen said she was “fighting” the charges during the sophomore “RHOSLC” reunion, which aired in March.

“I will fight because No. 1, I’m innocent,” she told host Andy Cohen at the time. “And No. 2, I’m going to f–king represent every other person out there that can’t fight and hasn’t been able to.”

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