‘Dance Moms’ Season 6 Spoilers: Abby Lee Miller Leaving Show after being Indicted for Fraud?

By Cheri Cheng - 14 Oct '15 15:05PM
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Will dance coach Abby Lee Miller have to take a break from season six of Lifetime's reality TV show, "Dance Moms"?

According to the United States Attorney's Office, Miller, 50, has been indicted on charges of bankruptcy fraud.

"Criminal prosecution is appropriate when debtors corrupt the bankruptcy process through deceit and lies before the court," U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton revealed in a statement.

The 20-count indictment stated that Miller had petitioned to reorganize her dance studio back in 2010. Miller then allegedly lied about the amount of money she earned in order to defraud the bankruptcy court. On top of lying about her earnings from TV deals, merchandise sales and Masterclass studio sessions from 2012 to 2013, Miller also allegedly set up bank accounts to hide her income.

The indictment stated that Miller hid $755,492.85 from the court. By hiding the amount of money she had earned, Miller received better terms and conditions to restructure her debt.

"Federal bankruptcy proceedings can be a lifesaver for honest individuals overwhelmed by debt resulting from any number of legitimate reasons, but allegations of fraud and abuse threaten the integrity of the bankruptcy process and the public's trust in it," said Scott S. Smith of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Pittsburgh Division. "We take our responsibility to pursue allegations of bankruptcy fraud seriously."

If Miller is found guilty, she could end up serving a five-year prison sentence. She would also have to pay a fine of $250,000 per count cited in the indictment.

Miller is currently filming for season 6 of the reality TV show about young, aspiring dancers and their moms. She and the network have not commented on the indictment.

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