Jen Shah.Photo: Chris Haston/Bravo via Getty
Jen Shahis opening up about her life behind bars.
On Feb. 17, 2023, the formerReal Housewives of Salt Lake Citystar reported to FPC Bryan Prison in Texas to begin serving what is currently set at a 5-year, 6-month prison sentence for her role ina long-running nationwide telemarketing scheme.
Now, one year later exactly, Shah, 50, reflects on the ways the past 12 months have changed her in a candid piece shared exclusively with PEOPLE.
With Shah’s words come the first official photo of her, taken in September during aBarbie-themed hair competition.
The picture was snapped as Shah and fellow inmate Ashley Rhea Johnson (“AJ”), 37, posed in front of a Barbie box. Both were in costume, Shah as “Adventure Barbie” and Johnson as “Slumber Party Barbie.” (Johnson, of Houston, Texas, provided permission to have her photo included in this piece).
See the full picture and read Shah’s passage for PEOPLE, printed in its entirety, below:
Ashley Rhea Johnson and Jen Shah.Jen Shah
Jen Shah
I have been away from my family for one year. The depth of my pain is unrelenting and indescribable. However, throughout this painful process, God has substantially increased my humility, gratitude, and courage.
Upon entering FPC Bryan, I wholeheartedly believed that no one was suffering as badly as I was. I quickly recognized that so many women are here battling and overcoming circumstances far worse than mine. Their resilience inspires and truly humbles me.
Recognizing that God continues to bless me not withstanding my wretched and unpredictable surroundings; expressing sincere gratitude has been my most effective coping mechanism. Despair and depression are companions that strive to capture my undivided attention every single day. Praying five times a day helps keep these and other emotional serpents 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, I ask God for the courage to realize I am worthy of a second chance. Through the countless therapy sessions and classes I have taken, I am finding the courage to set my fear and guilt aside. 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.
There is still so much I must learn while I am here at FPC Bryan, I am grateful God has given me a better foundation to appreciate his unwavering love and blessings to fight for that moment of happiness each day.
Jen Shah with her two sons and husband, Coach Shah.Jen Shah Instagram
Shahwas arrestedback in March 2021 along with her assistantStuart Smith. Both were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering.
It was a move that came much to the shock of herRHOSLCcostars, many of whom had stood behind her. They’ve sincecontinued to discuss Shah on season 4 of the show, despite her not being a cast member.
Chad Kirkland/Bravo
“Just know that Jennifer was showered with love and she was comforted today on this special day,” Sharrieff later said in a video shared to his Instagram account. “We appreciate every single person who’s praying for us, who has sent beautiful thoughts our way and who continue to love us unconditionally. We love you right back.”
Shah’s attorney Priya Chaudhry has said she is “determined to make restitutionto those whose lives she has impacted.”
Chaudhry added: “Her path ahead will be filled with challenges, but with the unwavering love and support of her family and friends, Jen is prepared to face these challenges head-on and emerge from this experience a better person who makes a positive impact on others.”
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The Real Housewives of Salt Lake Citycan be streamed in full on Peacock.
source: people.com
