When will Jen Shah's trial begin? 'RHOLSC' star's son writes heartfelt letter to judge ahead of sentencing
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: Jen Shah's sons penned heartfelt letters to the court presiding over 'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' star's criminal case, pleading for their mother to receive a softer jail term. According to court documents acquired by Radar Online, Jen filed various letters written by family members in the hopes that the judge would be convinced to ease up on her before her January sentence date.
In July, the 49-year-old reality star reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, admitting guilty to one count of conspiracy to conduct wire fraud. As part of the plea bargain, Jen agreed to pay $6.5 million. According to the deal, Jen might face up to 14 years in jail, although she feels she should only spend three years for her offenses. So, when does the trial begin?
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When does Jen Shah's trial start?
Jen Shah's sentencing will take place after the holidays. Her court appearance has been rescheduled until January 6, 2023. According to court records acquired by Us Weekly, the 'Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' star's lawyers sought the date change, and Judge Sidney H Stein authorized the rescheduling on Wednesday, November 23. Jen will be sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud conspiracy. In March 2021, she and one of her aides, Stuart Smith, were arrested and accused of conducting a statewide telemarketing operation. Prosecutors for the government identified the affair as a $5,000,000 money laundering conspiracy.
Jen initially pled not guilty to one count of conspiracy to conduct wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering at her arraignment in April. However, the following July, she altered her plea. Following the change in her plea, the US Attorney's office withdrew the second allegation of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Jen risked up to 30 years in jail if she was convicted of both charges, but even if she only received one, she might face up to 14 years in prison.
"I’m fighting this. I am innocent," Jen declared during the Season 2 reunion. "And I will fight for every person out there that can’t fight for themselves because they don’t have the resources or the means, so they don’t fight."
Sharrieff Shah, her husband, addressed a letter to the judge last week, and her two kids, Sharrieff Shah Jr and Omar, have followed suit. According to Sharrieff Jr., "I am Jennifer Shah’s eldest son. I am writing to you with the hope that I may accurately describe my mother’s character and provide an idea of who she truly is." "I recognize that regardless of her recent mistakes, my mother has exemplified positive ideals throughout my entire life," he continued. "I am happy to have learned from her and to have gained an understanding that all individuals are flawed, and these flaws do not negate their positive aspects." "From my earliest memories, I can recall my mother modeling the ideals of generosity and caring," he remarked.
Sharrieff asserted that his mother leveraged her fame to bring about positive change. "My mother has developed a platform that she utilizes to support social justice movements, healthcare reform, and equality in multiple forms," he added. "She has volunteered to speak at panels on racial prejudice in our local community, and she has served as a spokeswoman for racial affinity groups across Utah. My mother has marched in support of her political beliefs and empowers others to do the same."
"While my mother has done and continues to do commendable things, she is not perfect," Jen's eldest son continued. "She is flawed and has made mistakes that have hurt numerous people and their families. I am aware that she has pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and I am inexplicably hurt and saddened for the families that have been impacted." "While I understand that there must be a consequence for these actions, I am asking that you view my mother through a lens of forgiveness and compassion. I believe that my mother recognizes her wrongdoings and will be a better service to society if given a sentence of probation," Sharrieff added.
The court sealed the letter sent by Jen Shah's younger son, Omar.