Teresa Giudice and her husband Joe Giudice pleaded guilty in their fraud case, People magazine reports. The couple, who stars on the reality show "Real Housewives of New Jersey," arrived at a Newark, N.J. courtroom Tuesday (Mar. 4) morning hand-in-hand.
According to People, the two stood before the judge in the U.S. District Court and pleaded guilty to several counts of fraud, including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and three counts of bankruptcy fraud.
Last November, the Giudices had originally pleaded not guilty to the charges but entered guilty pleas Tuesday as part of an alleged deal. However, both can still face several years behind bars.
"Today I took a responsibility for a series of mistakes I made several years ago," Teresa said in a statement, given to the media by her lawyer.
"I am heartbroken that this is affecting my family," she continued. "Especially my four young daughters, who mean more to me than anything in the world."
Teresa and Joe are parents to Gia, 13, Gabriella, 9, Milani, 8, and Audrina, 4.
Last month, the couple had asked for separate trials hoping that Teresa wouldn't be penalized for the charges. Neither one is scheduled to be sentenced until July 8 but according to the New York Daily News, Teresa could face up to two years in a federal prison while her husband could find himself behind bars between 37 and 46 months.
"I have said throughout that I respect the legal process and thus, I intend to address the court directly at sentencing," Teresa continued in her statement. "I will describe the choices I made, continue to take responsibility for my decisions and express my remorse to Judge Salas and the public."
On top of jail time, Joe could also be deported from the United States. According to the Daily News, Salas told him that after he serves his time, he will have to come back for another hearing that will "likely result in... your being removed from the United States."
Officials said to ensure that one parent is home and able to look after the children, the jail terms might be staggered.
