Celebrity News January 05, 2015
New Details! Teresa Giudice's First Day in Prison
“Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Teresa Giudice turned herself in to authorities shortly after 3 AM on Monday, reports New York's WNBC 4.
She is now serving her 15-month prison sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut (the same minimum security prison where “Orange Is the New Black” author Piper Kerman served time).
Giudice's attorney James Leonard appeared on “Good Morning America," and described the reality star as “mentally and emotionally prepared,” adding that her husband Joe was “somber.” “The enormity of this entire situation hit him,” Leonard said.
Leonard said the other prisoners were giving her the "lay of the land" and told her to "keep her head up."
When asked if the "RHONJ" cast member might be released early, Leonard said it was "up to the judge and the bureau of prisons."
Former inmate Beatrice Codianni, who served 15 years in the same facility, told Star magazine that Teresa would likely undergo a strip search and psychological assessment when she checked in.
Codianni also revealed, “The clothing and the shoes have usually been worn before. She might be able to keep her own bra, but only if it isn't underwire.”
She also talked about the daily routine. “Teresa will be told when to get up, when to sleep, when she can shower and when she can eat.”
Life could be tough for Teresa. “Fellow inmates and the staff look down on white-collar people because they feel that they had every advantage and blew 'em. And if other inmates offer her snacks or other items, she should be prepared to repay them or pay it forward.”
Codianni warned that Giudice should save her antics for television. “She may be tested by other inmates because of her notoriety, more in the way of snide remarks than threats. The staff will probably warn her not to let anyone get to her. Whatever Teresa does, she can't lose control and get into a physical altercation with anyone.”
Giudice is serving time for bankruptcy fraud and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
Joe will begin his 41-month sentence when his wife is released.
Donald Trump, who worked with Teresa on "Celebrity Apprentice," told "Extra" that he felt bad for her. “Teresa was a terrific person she was really good in the show, I feel very badly for her that this should happen to her… she seems to be handling it well. She was so good on 'Celebrity Apprentice' and there are a lot of people who like her a lot.”
Trump added, “Oh I'd have her back [on 'Celebrity Apprentice'], she's terrific.”