Jen Shah, formerly of "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City," has completed her federal prison sentence, concluding 33 months of incarceration for her involvement in a widespread telemarketing fraud scheme. Shah was released on Friday.
"Today, I feel blessed. I feel free. And I’m excited to see what happens next," Shah told The Hollywood Reporter. "Today marks the official completion of my sentence and the closing of a chapter that changed my life and my family forever."
Shah acknowledged her role in the crimes, stating, "I made decisions that had serious consequences, and I accept those consequences." During her time in prison, she reported using the period to "revaluate" her choices and the people she associated with.
"I can see those things today in a way I couldn’t then, and I take responsibility for the decisions that were mine," she said. She expressed feelings of gratitude, hope, and excitement for the future.
The former Bravo personality indicated that there are aspects of her story not widely known, including the motivations behind her actions, but stated she is not interested in dwelling on the past. "I’m ready to work. I’m ready to create. I’m ready to laugh, have meaningful conversations, reconnect with people and build things I’m proud of," Shah said. She also hinted at upcoming projects she is eager to share.
Shah was arrested in March 2021 and initially charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. She pleaded not guilty to both charges but later changed her plea to guilty on the wire fraud charge in July 2022.
In January 2023, Shah received a sentence of six and a half years in prison. She was also ordered to forfeit $6.5 million in assets and pay restitution to victims of the scheme. The victims were described as hundreds of vulnerable and elderly individuals across the United States who lost their life savings over a decade-long telemarketing scam.