‘Real Housewives’ Star Teresa Giudice Begins Federal Prison Sentence

“The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s” Teresa Giudice has begun her time in prison.

The reality star, who was sentenced to 15 months behind bars for conspiracy and bankruptcy charges, surrendered at 3 AM on Monday at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Conn.

“She was ready,” Teresa’s lawyer, James J. Leonard Jr., said in a statement to NJ Advance Media. “Teresa is a very strong woman. She won’t have any problems in there.

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“When we arrived at Danbury, everyone we encountered was extremely courteous and respectful,” the Bravo star’s lawyer continued.

The reality star will be staying in the same prison that once housed Lauryn Hill and Leona Helmsley, and also serves as the inspiration for the Netflix series, “Orange Is the New Black.”

Teresa has remained silent on social media in the days leading up to her surrender, but daughter Gia, 13, Tweeted late Sunday night, “support system is unreal.”

Teresa’s husband, Giuseppe “Joe” Giudice, received 41 months jail time, and will begin his term after his wife. Joe, who is not a U.S. citizen, faces the possibility of deportation to Italy following his time behind bars.

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In October, Teresa spoke out following her sentencing, telling Bravo’s Andy Cohen she was stunned by the outcome of her day in court.

“My nerves were pulling. At one point I couldn’t even move my fingers, they were like stuck. I couldn’t open my hands. My nerves were shot. I’ve had sleepless nights. I mean, I was shocked,” she said at the time. “I mean, it was very unexpected. I don’t even know what to say. I really don’t know what to say.”

In addition to aspiring pop star daughter Gia, Joe and Teresa are also parents to Gabriela, 10, Milania, 8, and Audriana, 5, who have all been prominently featured on her hit Bravo reality series.

— Jesse Spero

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