Teresa and Joe Giudice to Plead in Alleged Fraud Case

Real Housewives of New Jersey stars will make the plea Tuesday, a source tells E! News

By Brandi Fowler, Beth Sobol Mar 03, 2014 3:50 AMTags
Joe Giudice, Teresa GiudiceKena Betancur/Getty Images

Teresa and Joe Giudice are gearing up for a major court appearance.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey stars are set to plead to charges in their 41-count indictment on alleged fraud and tax charges Tuesday, E! News has confirmed.

As for as reports that the outcome of their plea will yield probation for Teresa, a minimum of five years in prison for Joe and $11 million in restitution, a source said that is not true.

"It would be impossible to determine the sentencing at this point," the source said. "No one has any idea what the fine or sentence will be prior to a hearing."

A sentencing date will be set at the plea hearing, with the source adding, "a lot can happen between the two."

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

The reality stars are accused of engaging in mail and wire fraud, bank fraud and bankruptcy fraud from 2001 to 2011. Court documents also allege that Joe failed to submit tax returns from 2004 to 2008, and they allegedly obtained more than $5 million in bank loans due to fraudulent and falsified paperwork."

Last Month, Teresa talked about the allegations, telling ABC News, "I can't just be upset and crawl up in a ball and just go in a room and—and lock the door. I can't. I'm a mom. I have four daughters." When asked what she knows about the allegations, she continued, "I would love to answer all your questions, and one day I will. But, you know, out of respect of the process, I'm going to let, you know, the legal matters play out in court."

At the time, the Giudices plead not guilty, and at the request of their lawyers, have asked to be tried separately.

If convicted, they could each face up to 30 years in prison. Joe, who was born in Italy and isn't a U.S. citizen, could be deported.