Jennifer Shah (néeLui;[3] born October 4, 1973)[1] is an American television personality and former cast member of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Known for her charismatic and controversial role on the show, Shah quickly became a prominent figure. Her career in reality television, however, was overshadowed by legal controversies; in 2022, she pleaded guilty to charges related to a telemarketing scheme that targeted elderly and other vulnerable individuals, resulting in her current prison sentence.[4][5]
Life and personal background
Shah is of Tongan and Hawaiian descent and was raised in the Mormon faith before later converting to Islam.[6][7] She met her husband, Sharrieff Shah, a football coach, while they were students attending the University of Utah.[3] The couple has two sons together.[8]
Career in television
Shah gained public recognition as a cast member of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, joining the series in its first season which premiered in November 2020.[9] Before she was sentenced, she was on the show for three consecutive seasons. Her time on the series highlighted her lifestyle, relationships, and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Legal issues
In March 2021, Shah was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a telemarketing scheme, pleading not guilty to both charges days later.[10][11] Her legal troubles were documented in the Hulu film Housewife and the Shah Shocker, which aired in November the same year.[12]
The charges involved a scheme targeting elderly people and other vulnerable individuals with services falsely marketed as business development tools, such as “website building and coaching”.[13] In July 2022, Shah reversed her plea, pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.[14] In January 2023, she received a sentence of 6+1⁄2 years in prison, which she began in February 2023.[2] Her sentence has since been reduced[15][16] and Shah is expected to be released from prison on August 27, 2025. [17]