Jen Shah Bio, Age, Husband, Children, Prison, Net Worth
Jen Shah Biography
Jen Shah (born Jennifer Lui on October 4, 1973) is an American reality television personality. She rose to fame as a cast member of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Jen has diverse heritage, including Hungarian, Irish, Chinese, Hawaiian, and Tongan roots.
She met her husband, Sharrieff Shah, at the University of Utah. The couple have two sons, and she later converted to Islam, embracing her faith.
In March 2021, Jen was arrested for her role in a nationwide telemarketing fraud targeting elderly people. In July 2022, she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A New York court sentenced her in January 2023 to 78 months (6.5 years) in prison.
She is ordered to pay millions in restitution and forfeited luxury assets. During her time in prison, she has taken part in programs, shown remorse, and earned sentence reductions. Despite her conviction, reports say her marriage remains strong, and her husband continues to support her.
Jen Shah Age
How old is Jen Shah?
Jen Shah was born on October 4, 1973, making her 52 years old in 2025. She gained fame on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Despite her prison sentence, fans remain interested in her life. Her age highlights her experience, resilience, and continued influence in reality television.
Jen Shah Height
How tall is Jen Shah?
Jen Shah stands at 5 feet 4 inches (about 163 cm) tall. Her height reflects her petite stature on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Despite being small in frame, she carried a powerful and charismatic presence on screen.
Jen Shah’s Husband
Is Jen Shah still married?
Jen Shah has been married to Sharrieff “Coach” Shah since 1994. He is a longtime football coach at the University of Utah and a practicing lawyer. The couple met during college and share two sons, Sharrieff Jr. and Omar. Over the years, they have maintained a strong and supportive marriage, navigating both public attention and personal challenges. Despite Jen’s legal troubles and prison sentence, Sharrieff continues to support her. Their partnership highlights commitment, resilience, and family values. Fans often admire how they balance careers, family, and personal struggles while staying connected in public life.
Jen Shah Children | Kids
Jen Shah has two sons with her husband, Sharrieff “Coach” Shah. Their older child is Sharrieff Jr., born during their college years. Their younger son is Omar, who has appeared on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Jen often talks about her boys with affection, and they have stood by her through her legal struggles. She emphasizes family values and the importance of supporting each other during challenges. Her children remain a central part of her life, inspiring resilience and maintaining strong bonds despite public scrutiny and personal hardships.
Jen Shah Nationality and Ethnicity
Jen Shah holds American nationality, born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has a richly mixed ethnic heritage, including Tongan, Hawaiian, Chinese, as well as Hungarian, Italian, and Irish ancestry. Her Polynesian roots especially her Tongan and Hawaiian background deeply influence her identity. Meanwhile, her Chinese lineage adds Asian dimensions to her multicultural background. This diverse heritage has shaped her perspective, personal style, and public persona. Fans admire how she embraces all aspects of her ethnicity. Her nationality and mixed ethnicity remain important elements of her identity, influencing both her personal and professional life.
Jen Shah’s Education
Jen Shah attended the University of Utah during the early 1990s. She studied while dating her future husband, Sharrieff Shah, in college. However, she dropped out during her sophomore year to support her young family. Although she did not complete a degree, her time at university shaped her entrepreneurial ambition and contributed to her later business success. Her early exposure to higher education influenced her work ethic and public persona. Despite leaving school, Jen leveraged her skills to build a career in sales, reality television, and various business ventures, showcasing determination and resilience.
Jen Shah Sentencing: Jail Time, Restitution and Prison Details
What did Jen Shah do?
Jen Shah received a 78‑month (6.5‑year) prison sentence on January 6, 2023. She pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to a nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme. The court also ordered five years of supervised release following her prison term. Additionally, Jen must pay over $6.6 million in restitution and forfeit $6.5 million along with luxury items. During her sentence, she has participated in rehabilitation programs and shown remorse for her actions. Despite her conviction, she maintains contact with her family. Her sentencing serves as a cautionary tale about fraud and accountability in public life.
Jen Shah’s Documentary
Jen Shah’s legal saga inspired a high-profile crime documentary titled The Housewife & the Shah Shocker. It premiered in 2021 and runs for 48 minutes. The doc explores her alleged telemarketing fraud, featuring interviews with victims, legal experts, and journalists. It also highlights how she allegedly sold lead lists to scammers. Furthermore, the film shows her personal side, including her family’s defense and her aunt’s support. Jen later criticized the documentary for lacking “credible sources.” The documentary remains a key source for understanding her rise and fall.
Jen Shah Prison Release Date: When Will Jen Shah Get out of Prison?
Jen Shah’s federal prison release date is now scheduled for December 10, 2025. She earned multiple sentence reductions for good behavior and participation in prison programs. Notably, her new release comes much earlier than her original sentence. This early release reflects her efforts to rehabilitate. Supporters say she will reunite with her family soon after her release. Her return marks a significant turning point following her legal challenges. Fans and the public are closely watching how she plans to rebuild her personal and professional life after completing her sentence.
Jen Shah and Elizabeth Holmes: Friendship Behind Bars
Jen Shah and Elizabeth Holmes have formed a surprising friendship while serving time together at a federal prison in Texas. They bond over rehabilitation and support each other through their sentences. Jen has even taken a maternal role, offering advice and holding Holmes’s baby. Moreover, Holmes regularly attends Jen’s prison workout class called “Sha‑mazing Abs.” Their connection highlights how two high-profile women from different worlds find common ground in a shared journey of positive change. This unique friendship has drawn public attention and shows how companionship can emerge even in challenging circumstances.
Jen Shah on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: Her Role and Downfall
Jen Shah rose to fame as a main cast member on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, first appearing in season 1. She became known for her lavish lifestyle, glamorous outfits, and over‑the‑top party planning. During season 2, she was arrested on federal fraud charges, shocking cast and viewers alike. In January 2023, she was sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison, marking a dramatic fall from reality TV fame. Despite the scandal, her Housewives persona remains deeply linked to her public identity. Her story illustrates both fame and accountability in the entertainment world.
Jen Shah’s Assistant : Who Is Stuart Smith on Real Housewives?
Jen Shah’s most notable assistant on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City was Stuart Smith. He appeared frequently, driving her around and helping coordinate her lavish lifestyle. He worked with her for over a decade, serving as both her personal aide and business partner. After their arrest, Stuart pleaded guilty in November 2021 to fraud charges. Jen later admitted they are no longer close. Their professional relationship was central to her business and day-to-day operations. Stuart’s role highlighted the behind-the-scenes support that contributed to Jen’s public persona and television presence.
Jen Shah Net Worth
Jen Shah’s estimated net worth sits around $300,000. Before her legal troubles, she earned sizable income from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and her business ventures. However, her fraud conviction and restitution payments have significantly impacted her financial standing. Despite these setbacks, she remains a well-known reality TV personality. Her net worth reflects both her television earnings and ongoing legal obligations, highlighting the financial consequences of high-profile legal cases.
