"Dance Moms" star Abby Lee Miller has been indicted on charges of bankruptcy fraud, concealment of bankruptcy assets and false bankruptcy declarations, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. She was indicted by a federal grand jury for hiding approximately $755,000.
The 20-count indictment alleged that Miller, the owner of the Abby Lee Miller Dance Company where the show "Dance Moms" takes place, schemed to defraud the bankruptcy court by hiding the income she earned in 2012 and 2013 from the show. She allegedly created bank accounts to hide the income and instructed others to conceal income, TV Guide reported.
"Criminal prosecution is appropriate when debtors corrupt the bankruptcy process through deceit and lies before the court," said U.S. Attorney Hickton, according to WTAE action news in Miller's native Pittsburgh.
Miller could face up to five years in prison and up to $5 million in fines since each of the 20 counts carry a possible $250,000 fine.
"Federal bankruptcy proceedings can be a lifesaver for honest individuals overwhelmed by debt resulting from any number of legitimate reasons, but allegations of fraud and abuse threaten the integrity of the bankruptcy process and the public's trust in it. We take our responsibility to pursue allegations of bankruptcy fraud seriously," said Special Agent in Charge Charge Scott S. Smith of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Pittsburgh Division.
Miller's show "Dance Moms" follows her group of young dancers that take classes at her dance studio as well as the conflicts that their mothers get into with each other and Miller.
