06 January 2023 , 17:45
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Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Jen Shah was sentenced to six-and-a-half-years in prison for fraud.
The reality star pleaded guilty to committing wire fraud in a telemarketing scheme targeting the elderly.
She arrived in federal court in New York to stand before the US District Court Judge Sidney Stein.
Federal prosecutors said that Shah admitted to victimising 10 or more people over the age of 55 as part of the plea.
The Justice Department originally requested a 10-year-long sentence while her legal team asked for three.
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Before handing down the sentence, Stein reminded the court that he was sentencing a public figure from television.
Shah pleaded guilty (Bravo)Before being sentenced, she addressed the court and said: "I would like to take this opportunity to speak about who I actually am. I am Jennifer Shah … daughter of immigrants."
She said her family was rooted in 'mutual respect, fulfilment of obligations, humility and generosity, loyalty and respect.'
"I have to come to terms that I have gone against these core values and I am deeply sorry for what I have done," Shah added.
"I want to apologize to all the victims and families and I take full responsibility for the harm I caused and will pay full restitution to all of the victims."
She apologised to the victims before she was sentenced (Bravo)She added: "I recognize that some of you lost hundreds and others lost thousands and I promise to repay."
He added that she is "simply a character" and added of her explosive scenes on Real Housewives, "it's acting".
She will serve her sentence in Texas and has to surrender on February 17.
In early 2021, Shah and Stuart Smith – who the show described as her assistant – were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, it was 'in connection with telemarketing and conspiracy to commit money laundering'.
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The reality star was sentenced to 6.5 years (NBCU via Getty Images)The RHOSLC star initially pleaded not guilty in April 2021, with Smith pleading guilty in November.
She maintained her innocence throughout the almost two-year saga, including in the Real Housewives reunion from March 2022.
In July, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and agreed to forfeit $6.5 million (£5.3 million) and pay up to $9.5 million (£7.8 million) in restitution.
At the time, Shah told the judge: "In 2012 to March 2021 in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere I agreed with others to commit wire fraud.
"I knew this was wrong. I knew many people were harmed and I’m so sorry."
She faced a penalty of up to 30 years in prison and told the court she wouldn't appeal if her sentencing was less than 14 years.
Shah is married to Sharrieff Shah, who is the special team coordinator for the University of Utah football team. They have two kids together.