REAL HOUSEWIVES, REAL TROUBLES; Giudices Face Fraud Charges/Prison Terms

E! News reports that The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice and her husband Joe Giudice were charged on Monday in a conspiracy to defraud lenders and illegally obtain mortgages and other loans as well as allegedly hiding assets and income during a bankruptcy case, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced in a press release.

"The indictment returned to today alleges the Giudices lied to the bankruptcy court, to the IRS and to a number of banks," Fishman said in a statement. "Everyone has an obligation to tell the truth when dealing with the courts, paying their taxes and applying for loans or mortgages. That's reality."

Bankruptcy fraud counts each carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while the failure to file a tax return counts each carry a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Giudice, who first gained the attention of television viewers by flipping a restaurant table during a heated argument with a castmate, released a statement via Twitter, telling her fans, ""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. 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."

The couple are expected to appear in a Newark, NJ, federal courthouse tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.

A source close to the reality star tells E! News, "She's shockingly, shockingly calm about this. She's been at the family's shore house with her daughters and now she's driving back up for her court appearance tomorrow morning."

The insider adds that Teresa and Joe will each be represented by a different lawyer for this case, but mentions that the couple "have been tighter than ever. They've been together constantly and, sadly, their relationship seemed very strong before this news hit."