Desperate Housewife?

JULY 15--A court-appointed trustee has accused the bankrupt star of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" reality TV show of lying under oath about her financial condition, concealing documents, and failing to disclose her interest in several businesses. As such, Teresa Giudice (and her husband Giuseppe) should not have their case formally discharged, according to a U.S. Bankruptcy Court complaint filed by lawyer John Sywilok, who was appointed to oversee the Chapter 7 action.

In his filing, a copy of which you'll find at left, Sywilok alleges that the Giudices "have made false oaths" with regard to their income, expenses, and assets. Additionally, the trustee alleges that the couple has "concealed documents, records and papers" that would allow him to ascertain their true financial condition. The duo, Sywilok contends, have sought to hide their interests in several businesses, including a clothing company, pizza parlor, and laundromat. Giudice even allegedly failed to disclose her interest in a cookbook she recently authored.

The Sywilok complaint--an "adversary proceeding"--aims to keep the Giudices from sheltering assets that would normally be liquidated, with the proceeds going to their creditors. The Giudices cited $11 million in debts when they sought bankruptcy protection last October. (5 pages)