Jen Shah reflects on her time behind bars, a year after reporting to a federal prison in Texas.
The former Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast member, 50, has shared an essay with People magazine describing his experiences and what he has learned during his incarceration.
“I’ve been away from my family for a year,” the former reality star wrote. ‘The depth of my pain is relentless and indescribable. However, throughout this painful process, God has substantially increased my humility, gratitude, and courage.’
The inmate, who has another four and a half years left to serve her sentence for fraud and money laundering, linked to a telemarketing scheme, said that “upon entering FPC Bryan, I believed with all my heart that no one was suffering as much as I was. “. was.’
“I quickly recognized that there are many women here struggling and overcoming circumstances much worse than mine,” she said. “Their resilience inspires me and really humbles me.”
Jen Shah reflects on her time behind bars a year after reporting to a federal prison in Texas and shares an essay with People about the lessons she’s learned.
The Utah-born businesswoman has held firmly to her Muslim faith: ‘Recognising that God continues to bless me despite my miserable and unpredictable environment; Expressing sincere gratitude has been my most effective coping mechanism.
“Despair and depression are companions that strive for my full attention every day,” he explained, but “praying five times a day helps keep these and other emotional snakes at bay.” I am very grateful for the aspects of my life that have never abandoned me: My Family and my 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 taken, I am finding the courage to let go of my fear and guilt.’
‘My husband tells me every morning that I have to fight for my happiness. He said that it takes unimaginable 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 hairstyling competition. AJ gave People permission to publish the snapshot.
‘This photo was taken almost eight months after I gave up. My husband’s advice finally settled in my heart and I found the courage to smile, find joy and genuine laughter by participating in a Barbie hair styling contest as “Adventure Barbie.”
‘My Barbie team and I dazzled in the Real Hair Updo category with a fully choreographed routine to “Big Energy!” It gave me great joy to put smiles on the faces of my fellow prisoners. (And yes, we won our category).’
The reality star is married to Sharrieff Shah, 53, and the two share children, Sharrieff, Jr, 29, and Omar, 19.
Other highlights of the year include sending messages to 50 friends on their 50th birthdays in October.
The former Real Housewives of SLC cast member said she has relied on her Muslim faith and prays five times a day, “it helps keep these and other emotional snakes at bay.” I am very grateful for the aspects of my life that have never abandoned me: My Family and my Faith. Thank you God.’
Jen is married to 53-year-old Sharrieff Shah. ‘My husband tells me every morning that I have to fight for my happiness. He said it takes unimaginable courage to smile and find joy and laughter despite my circumstances.
The couple share two children, Sharrieff, Jr, 29, and Omar, 19.
Jen was also ordered to pay $6.6 million in restitution. During their nine-year operation, their 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 (pictured in New York in January 2023).
As she looks to the future, Jen: “There is still much I need 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 His blessings to strive for that moment of happiness.” every day.’
Jen, according to her attorney, is also determined to make restitution to her victims.
The court ordered him to pay $6.6 million in restitution. He 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.
He also sold contact information to others operating a larger fraud ring.
Prosecutors said the victims were repeatedly attacked until they ran out of money.
Much of the money she swindled was used to flaunt her lavish lifestyle on RHOSLC.