RHOSLC: Jen Shah Tells Critic She’s ‘Innocent’ Ahead Of Fraud Trial

As Jen Shah prepares to go to trial, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star is responding to critics online and claiming she’s ‘innocent.’ Jen’s trial for felony fraud and money laundering charges is set to begin in July. The Bravo star is the only one in her former circle professing her innocence. With everyone else accepting plea deals after pleading guilty, Jen could get the book thrown at her if found guilty. But despite the charges and lengthy prison sentence awaiting her, Jen is adamant that she’s not guilty.

While Jen isn’t the first housewife to face serious legal charges while appearing on the show, she’s the first to get arrested on-air. Jen’s shocking season 2 arrest went down while the ladies were getting ready for a girl’s trip. Jen was taken into custody and slapped with felony fraud and money laundering charges for accusations of being involved in a nationwide telemarketing scheme. Jen’s co-defendants, including her former assistant Stuart Smith, have all pleaded guilty to accept plea deals and avoid trial. But Jen is adamant that she wasn’t involved in illegal activity and is set to face a judge to profess her innocence.

Jen was recently called out on Instagram by celebrity hairstylist Justin Anderson. “Why we all just gigglin at jen shahs jokes and outfit choice when we dragged erika jayne through the coals for an entire season of #rhobh,” Justin captioned his video post. Once Jen caught wind of the shade, she left a since-deleted comment captured by Page Six telling the Housewives fan “I’m innocent…and look forward to trial so you along with everyone else can see the truth.” Jen has been under fire and getting compared to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne. Erika is accused of helping her ex-husband Tom Girardi steal and hide the money he embezzled from his clients, business partners, and lenders.

While Erika isn’t facing any legal charges, lawyers are after her money in hopes of paying back all of Tom’s victims. During the RHOBH season 11 reunion, Andy Cohen didn’t hold back when grilling Erika with questions about the fraud allegations. But when watching the RHOSLC season 2 reunion, Jen seemingly got away unscathed after Lisa Barlow, Meredith Marks, and an absent Mary Cosby caught most of the heat. But with one episode left of the three-part reunion, Andy will question Jen about her felony charges while her husband Coach Sharrieff Shah is present. Leading up to the episode airing on Sunday, Jen appears to already be campaigning her innocence.

On Monday, Jen announced the launch of her new merch line that includes T-shirts and sweatshirts with “Free Jen” and “Not Guilty” phrases emblazoned on them. The Real Housewives of Salt Lake Citystar is clearly not going down without a fight. On top of facing the judge and prosecutors, Jen will also have to deal with public scrutiny from fans. Her trial will likely be featured in season 3 in what could potentially be Jen’s last season in the event she’s found guilty and sent to prison. With Jen facing between 20 to 30 years, she would be the first housewife to do hard time after appearing on the show.

Source: Justin Anderson/Instagram, Page Six