‘Dance Moms’ Star Abby Lee Miller Pleads Not Guilty to Fraud Charges
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdKd7ePfxZ0
Abigale Lee Miller star of “Dance Moms” has pled not guilty to charges that she tried to hide $775,000 worth of income from the Lifetime network reality show and spinoff projects during her Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The 50-year-old reality TV star was free on bond after Monday afternoon’s federal court appearance in Pittsburgh. Miller can travel for the show if needed, but must check with the court before traveling out of the country. Her attorneys and prosecutors told the judge they expect a trial to last more than two weeks. It has yet to be scheduled.
The controversial reality TV star was been indicted on charges of bankruptcy fraud last month. United States Attorney David J. Hickson of the Western District of Pennsylvania, announced the 20-count indictment, earlier today.
“Criminal prosecution is appropriate when debtors corrupt the bankruptcy process through deceit and lies before the court,” said U.S. Attorney Hickton.
The indictment states that in December of 2010, Miller filed a Petition to Reorganize her dance studio. Allegedly, Miller schemed to defraud the bankruptcy court by concealing the income she received between 2012-2013, as the star of Dance Moms. Income generated by her spin-off shows, Masterclass dance sessions and merchandise sales, was also allegedly hidden.
Miller is accused of creating bank accounts to hide her income, and made multiple false declarations in monthly operating reports. The document states that she concealed a total of $755,492.85, and the fraudulent acts allowed her favorable terms, in restructuring her debt.
Miller faces up to five years in prison, and up to $5 million in fines. Each count carries a possible fine of $250k.
Miller shamelessly hawked her wares as she entered the federal courthouse, smiling and telling reporters that jackets from Season 6 of “Dance Moms” go on sale Wednesday.
“Like” us on Facebook “Follow” us on Twitter and on Instagram
Avigail is an Entertainment blogger at All About The Tea, who specializes in The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Real Housewives of Potomac. Avigail has a background in marketing. She’s a Brooklynite living in the Bahamas, with a passion for travel, writing, reality TV watching, pop culture and spoken word.