Is “Dance Mom’s” Star Headed to Federal Prison for Bankruptcy Fraud?

Teresa Guidice is not the only reality TV star that may be serving time in federal prison for bankruptcy fraud.  In 2014 my partner, Amy Tanner, blogged about the “fresh start” Abby Lee Miller received through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy she filed in 2010.  As reported by Ms. Tanner, this Chapter 11 was filed before the show that made Abby Lee Miller famous began airing.  It is this fact that appears to have been Ms. Miller’s undoing.  According to the United States Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA, the Dance Mom’s star has been indicted for failing to disclose income from the reality show in her bankruptcy schedules.  By filing her Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition prior to the show airing on television, Ms. Miller is accused of trying to hide over $700K in income she would receive from the reality TV show.  Abby Lee Miller has pled not guilty to the charges against her and has requested a trial by jury.

I have stated in previous blogs how critically important it is to disclose all required information in a bankruptcy petition.  One way to insure this occurs is to hire an attorney who focuses primarily in bankruptcy law.  You can find quality bankruptcy attorneys in your area through avvo.com and NACBA, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.   Second, always follow the golden rule in bankruptcy – tell the truth and do not leave anything out!  If you are considering a filing for bankruptcy relief but are concerned about what the rules require and how they may affect you, please contact one of our locations nearest you in Alabama, Mississippi or Tennessee for a free, confidential consultation with one of our experienced, licensed attorneys.