For the past year, we have been told that star of "Dance Moms," Abby Lee Miller, could face up to 33 months in prison or be ordered to a harsh community service sentencing. But now according to sources, one of them being the prosecutors themselves, it seems as though it's more likely that the Lifetime dance coach could actually face up to 5, even ten years in prison.
Did Abby's legal team lie to the public about her possible sentencing?
No, her legal team did not lie - at least not exactly.
Back in October 2015, Abby was accused of trying to hide the income she'd received from "Dance Moms" spinoffs and other various projects which accumulated to $775,000.
She then was accused of illegally bringing in $120,000 of Australian currency after her trip to Australia with her team. She, at that time, pleaded not guilty. Later on, she was charged with 20 counts of bankruptcy fraud, concealing assets, and a criminal count for hiding international monetary information.
At the time of her charges, it was said that if convicted she could have faced a maximum of 6 to 10 years in prison and have to pay a $500,000 fine.
Her legal team fought for a lighter sentencing of spending no more than 33 months in prison attached with huge fines. They also tried to get Miller completely out of the possibility of prison time and suggested that if convicted she would be given a non-custodial sentence which would consist of probation, community service, and a fine.
So what does all of this mean for the fate of Abby Lee Miller and Dance Moms?
Although Abby's legal team is fighting and hoping for a much lighter sentence if convicted, she still very much has the potential to face up to 10 years in prison along with the $500,000 fine.
Prosecutors have requested that if she's convicted that she's sentenced up to 10 years in prison.
As for the fate of "Dance Moms," that is currently unknown. Although since they've already started filming Season 7B despite Abby's sentencing coming up, it seems as though they have a backup plan. What that backup plan is, nobody knows. Some believe that Abby's dance assistant, Gianna Martello, will take over. Other's think that the team will move to an entirely different studio.
Abby's sentencing is scheduled for February 24th.
