Jen Shah has finally spoken out publicly following her federal arrest last week.
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The "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star spent the weekend reposting supportive messages and pictures from fans, and many of them used the hashtag "Shah Squad" or "Free Jen Shah."
"Thank you for being loyal, believing in me and not believing the hype," she wrote on her Instagram Story. "This journey has showed me who my true friends are. All my love. #ShahSquad."
Jen's comments come in the wake of her arrest on March 30 for her alleged involvement in a telemarketing scheme. Authorities claim that Jen and her assistant, Stuart Smith, ripped off hundreds of victims across the country, mainly elderly people, by encouraging them to invest in shady online projects and selling them nonexistent business services for years. They are alleged to have complied lists of "leads," who were people previously exploited, as they were believed to be easier targets. They would then allegedly sell the list and take a cut of the profits. The practice, authorities say, was going on for nine years.
Jen, who was filming "Housewives" just before the arrest, was arraigned in federal court on April 2. She's pleaded not guilty.
Homeland Security Investigations Agency said in a statement that the Jen and Stuart "built their opulent lifestyle at the expense of vulnerable, often elderly, working-class people."
If convicted, Jen and Stuart could face 30 years in prison.