"Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Giudice and her husband, Joe, have pleaded guilty to multiple fraud charges in a New Jersey courtroom.
Back in July 2013, the couple was charged with 39 fraud-related counts, including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud and making false statements on loan applications. (Via WCCO)
Just a few months later, the Giudices were charged with two more counts of fraud, bringing the grand total to 41 counts. At the time, they pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Via Us Weekly)
In fact, People Magazine reports the couple asked to be tried separately in February, hoping that Teresa would be able to walk free.
But somewhere along the way, the couple decided to change their tune. Tuesday, Teresa pleaded guilty to four fraud counts while Joe pleaded guilty to five.
After leaving the courtroom, the couple refused to talk to reporters, but in a statement released to the media, Teresa said she's finally ready to take responsibility for her past mistakes. E! has the statement: (Via News 12 New Jersey)
"I have said throughout that I respect the legal process and thus I intend to address the court directly at sentencing. I will describe the choices I made, continue to take responsibility for my decisions, and express my remorse to Judge Salas and the public." (Via E!)
Teresa has been a part of the "Real Housewives of New Jersey" cast since its freshman season in 2009. And Bravo's Andy Cohen has already stated the Giudices' legal battle will play a large part in the upcoming sixth season.
The couple won't be sentenced until July 8, but Teresa could face up to 27 months in federal prison, and Joe could serve up to four years. Because he isn't a U.S. citizen, he also faces the possibility of deportation.
