Jen Shah, the star of Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” has been sentenced to 78 months in prison, or six and a half years, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud by a federal judge.

The sentence brings to a close a two-year legal saga that began with Shah’s arrest in early 2021.

Shah must surrender to prison on February 17, 2023 and will be subject to five years of supervised release following her sentence.

Before her admission of guilt, Shah had gained notoriety on “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” through her lavish lifestyle and frequent arguments with fellow cast members.

However, the charges against her are far more serious than the petty squabbles on the reality show.

According to authorities, Shah used telemarketing to target and defraud unsuspecting individuals, many of whom were older and relying on their savings.

Assistant US Attorney Robert Sobelman spoke during the sentencing about Shah’s lack of remorse for her actions.

He pointed to a specific instance where Shah allegedly mocked an 80-year-old victim to her co-defendants and noted that there were “thousands” of victims just like her.

Shah and her attorney Priya Chaudhry spoke about Shah’s newfound remorse, claiming that she had a change of heart after hearing from her victims.

Chaudhry stated that Shah realized the extent of the fraud and harm she had caused.

Shah also argued that her television persona, including her “Shah-mazing” tagline, were all created by Bravo.

She further suggested that her status as an immigrant should be taken into consideration during sentencing.

“I stand before you as an immigrant from Tonga and Hawaii,” Shah said.

“The principles are humility and loyalty and respect. I have come to terms that I have gone against these. I am sorry. My actions have hurt innocent people.”

Shah’s sentencing is part of a growing trend of reality show stars who are being convicted and sentenced while appearing on such programs.

However, Shah’s case is particularly striking due to the nature of her crimes and the fact that they were committed against vulnerable elderly individuals.

Shah and Stuart Smith, described as her “assistant,” were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in March 2021.

Wire fraud refers to the use of the phone or internet to commit financial fraud.

According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Shah sold lists of individuals, mainly older adults, to other members of her scheme, who then defrauded them through telemarketing by promising false business opportunities.

The scheme was extensive and crossed state lines, with sales floors operating in various states, including Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, providing lead lists to telemarketing sales floors in the New York and New Jersey area, including Manhattan.

Shah pleaded not guilty in April 2021 but changed her plea to guilty on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on July 11, 2022.

Shah agreed to forfeit $6.5 million and pay up to $9.5 million in restitution.

Despite her guilty plea, Shah maintained her innocence during her television appearances, particularly during the “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” reunion episodes that aired in March 2022.