Jen Shah reflects on the time she spent one year behind bars after reporting to a federal prison in Texas.
The former Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast member, 50, shared an essay with People magazine detailing her experiences and what she learned during her incarceration.
“I’ve been away from my family for a year,” the former reality star wrote. ‘The depth of my pain is unrelenting and indescribable. But throughout this painful process, God has substantially increased my humility, gratitude, and courage.”
The inmate, who has four and a half years left to serve her sentence for fraud and money laundering linked to a telemarketing scheme, said: “When I walked into FPC Bryan, I believed with all my heart that no one suffered as much as I did. used to be.’
“I quickly realized that so many women here are fighting and overcoming circumstances far worse than mine,” she said. “Their resilience truly inspires and humbles me.”
Jen Shah reflects on the year she spent behind bars after reporting to a federal prison in Texas, and shares an essay with People about the lessons she learned
The Utah-born entrepreneur has held firmly to her Muslim faith: “Recognizing that God continues to bless me despite my miserable and unpredictable environment; expressing genuine gratitude has been my most effective coping mechanism.
“Desperation and depression are companions that strive to get my undivided attention every day,” she explained, but “praying five times a day helps keep these and other emotional snakes at bay.” I am most grateful for the aspects of my life that have never left me: my family and faith. Thank you God.”
“In my daily prayers,” she continued, “I ask God for the courage to realize that I am worthy of a second chance. Through the countless therapy sessions and classes I have attended, I find the courage to put aside my fear and guilt.’
‘My husband tells me every morning that I have to fight for my happiness. He said it takes incredible courage to smile and find joy and laughter despite my circumstances.”
Jen shared a photo of herself and another inmate, Ashley Rhea Johnson (“AJ”), 37, from a Barbie-themed hair show competition. AJ gave People permission to publish the snap.
‘This photo was taken almost eight months after I surrendered. My husband’s advice finally settled in my heart and I found the courage to smile, find real joy and laughter by participating in a Barbie Hair Show Competition as “Adventure Barbie.”‘
“My Barbie team and I dazzled the Real Hair Updo category with a fully choreographed routine to Latto’s ‘Big Energy!’ It brought me so much joy to put a smile on the faces of my fellow inmates. (And yes, we won our category.)’
The reality star is married to Sharrieff Shah, 53, and shares two sons, Sharrieff, Jr, 29, and Omar, 19.
Other highlights of the year include a message from 50 friends for her 50th birthday in October.
The former Real Housewives of SLC cast member said relying on her Muslim faith and praying five times a day “helps keep these and other emotional snakes at bay.” I am most grateful for the aspects of my life that have never left me: my family and faith. Thank you God’
Jen is married to Sharrieff Shah, 53. ‘My husband tells me every morning that I have to fight for my happiness. He said it takes incredible courage to smile and find joy and laughter despite my circumstances.
The couple has two sons, Sharrieff, Jr., 29, and Omar, 19
Jen has also been ordered to pay $6.6 million in restitution. During her nine-year operation, her victims, many of them elderly, were convinced to invest in bogus business opportunities and spend money on services such as help with web design or tax returns (pictured in New York in January 2023)
As she looks to the future, Jen, “There is still so much I have to learn while I am here at FPC Bryan. I am grateful that God has given me a better foundation to appreciate His unwavering love and blessings to fight for that moment of happiness. every day.’
According to her lawyer, Jen is also determined to compensate her victims.
The court ordered her to pay $6.6 million in restitution. She also lost another $6.5 million, as well as 30 luxury items and 78 counterfeit luxury items.
During her nine-year operation, Jen’s victims, many of them elderly, were convinced to invest in bogus business opportunities and spend money on services such as help with web design or tax preparation.
She also sold contact information to others who were part of the larger fraud ring.
Prosecutors said the victims were repeatedly targeted until they ran out of money.
Much of the money she swindled was used to show off her lavish lifestyle on RHOSLC.