“RHOSLC” Alum Jen Shah Breaks Silence In First Interview Following Nearly 3 Years In Prison For Telemarketing Scheme That Targeted The Elderly: I Trusted The Wrong People’

“RHOSLC” Alum Jen Shah Breaks Silence In First Interview Following Nearly 3 Years In Prison For Telemarketing Scheme That Targeted The Elderly: I Trusted The Wrong People’

#JenShah has had some time to do a little reflecting. The former #RHOSLC star sat down with PEOPLE for her first interview since serving nearly three years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. “I made wrong decisions,” she said. “I should have done things differently. …And I’m deeply remorseful and sorry for my actions and for my part. I take full responsibility.” As previously reported, Jen was accused of playing a leading role in a telemarketing scheme that operated from 2012 through 2021, targeting thousands of victims—particularly financially vulnerable elderly people.

Jen, however, said she was misled about the full scope of what was happening. “I became involved in the case because I made horrible business decisions,” she claimed. “I allowed the lines to be blurred between personal friendships and ethical business practices. …I trusted the wrong people at a very vulnerable time in my life.” Warning others, she added, “It can happen if you’re not careful…you have a responsibility once you’re in that position to make sure it doesn’t.”

Now out of custody, Jen says she’s focused on accountability and making amends, including repaying more than $6.6 million in restitution to victims. “I’m sorry… I’m accepting responsibility,” she said, while also asking for grace moving forward. “I would hope they would give me the grace… understand that I’m more than just the headline.”