Federal prosecutors argue ‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ couple aren’t entitled to separate trials on fraud charges
Wednesday January 29, 2014, 8:47 PM
BY PETER J. SAMPSON
STAFF WRITER
The Record
Federal prosecutors on Wednesday filed papers opposing a bid by Teresa and Joe Giudice, stars of Bravo television’s “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” to be granted separate trials on a slew of bank- and loan-fraud charges.
In a 37-page legal brief filed in federal court in Newark, prosecutors said the Montville couple are not entitled to a severance merely because Teresa Giudice would prefer not to testify against her husband in a joint trial, while Joe Giudice has not shown that his testimony would substantially clear his wife of guilt.
Earlier this month, the Giudices asked U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to grant them separate trials, arguing Joe Giudice has evidence of his wife’s innocence, but he would not take the witness stand if they are forced to stand trial together. Teresa Giudice, likewise, wants to testify on her own behalf, but not against her husband.
Indicted last year, the Giudices are facing 41 counts alleging that between 2001 and 2011 they engaged in conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. They both are charged with bank fraud, loan application fraud and bankruptcy fraud. Joe Giudice also is charged with failing to file tax returns for 2005-2009.
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