'RHONJ' Stars Teresa and Joe Giudice Appear In Court After Fraud Indictment, Released on $500K Bond [VIDEO]
Teresa and Joe Giudice appeared in court to face federal fraud charges on Tuesday.
At their appearance in a Newark, N.J. courtroom, the couple did not enter any pleas. They were released on $500,000 bond each. Joe will be subjected to drug testing since he is not a U.S. citizen but both had to give up their passports. An arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 14.
The couple, who star on the reality TV show The Real Housewives of New Jersey, were indicted on 39 charges Monday by the federal government. They included charges that the couple conspired to commit mail fraud and making false statements on loan applications.
Prosecutors believe that the two lied about their financial status even as their income grew because. They also stand accused of failing to pay a substantial amount of taxes. A maximum penalty of 30 years and a fine of $1 million is attached to the bank and loan application fraud.
"Everyone has an obligation to tell the truth when dealing with the courts, paying their taxes and applying for loans or mortgages," said U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said. "That's reality."
Teresa and Joe became household names when their show premiered on Bravo in 2009. The network had no comment but Teresa released a statement through Twitter. She pledged her support to Joe and vowed to clear both their names.
Today is a most difficult day for our family. I support Joe and, as a wonderful husband and father, I know (cont) https://t.co/C8CTRBmzjZ
— Teresa Giudice (@Teresa_Giudice) July 29, 2013
Watch a video of Teresa and Joe leaving the courtroom here.