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Teresa Giudice Indicted for Fraud: “I Don’t Think She’s Capable of It,” Says Kim DePaola

Teresa Giudice; Kim DePaola
After Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice were indicted on fraud and tax charges on July 29, pal Kim DePaola tells Us Weekly that she doesn't think the Real Housewives of New Jersey star is "capable of it" and there is a "witch-hunt" out for her.

Teresa Giudice's pal Kim DePaola is standing by her side. After Real Housewives of New Jersey stars Teresa and husband Joe Giudice were indicted for fraud and tax charges on Monday, July 29, DePaola tells Us Weekly that she doesn't think her good friend Teresa would be capable of committing the crimes.

"Knowing Teresa as well as I know her, and I think I know her, I don't think she would ever willingly do any of this," DePaola, known as Kim D on the Bravo show, tells Us. "She has four kids. I don't think she's capable of it. I think there's been a witch-hunt going on for a long time for her."

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In a 39-count indictment on Monday, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman charged Teresa, 41, and Joe, 43, with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, making false statements on loan applications and bankruptcy fraud.

Teresa and Joe are parents to daughters Gia (born 2001), Gabriella (born 2004), Milania (born 2005) and Audriana (born 2009). "Today is a most difficult day for our family. I support Joe and, as a wonderful husband and father, I know he wants only the best for our lovely daughters and me," Teresa told Us in a statement on Monday. "I am committed to my family and intend to maintain our lives in the best way possible, which includes continuing my career. As a result, I am hopeful that we will resolve this matter with the government as quickly as possible."

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Joe, a former pizza parlor owner, has also been charged with failure to file tax returns from 2004 through 2008, during which time he allegedly earned nearly $1 million. (Joe also faces 10 years behind bars for allegedly using his brother's ID to obtain a driver's license in 2010; he will appear in court on Oct. 28.)

Henry Klingeman, Teresa's attorney, told Us, "Teresa will plead 'not guilty.' The judicial process that begins today with an indictment is a search for the truth. As it moves forward, we look forward to vindicating her."

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The Giudices could face 50 years in prison; conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, while bank fraud carries a maximum of 30 years. They are set to appear in United States District Court in Newark, New Jersey, on Tuesday, July 30.

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