‘Dance Moms’ star Abby Lee Miller indicted on bankruptcy fraud charges

The suit, filed in 2014, alleged that the Dance Moms star was “paid to be abusive and bullying to her students”.

The Lifetime reality TV star has been hit with a 20-count indictment accusing her of defrauding a Pittsburgh bankruptcy court by lying about her income and hiding assets.

Her lawyer, Robert Ridge tells People that Miller, 50, has not pleaded yet, but she has been charged with bankruptcy fraud, false bankruptcy declarations and concealment of bankruptcy assets.

Abby Lee Miller and her “Dance Moms” students were slated to attend Sheer Talent Special Edition in Glendale, California, on October. 10, according to worldwide Business Times. Federal prosecutors say Miller allegedly hid over $750,000 of income between 2012 and 2013.

Miller could face five years in prison, along with a “fine of $250,000 or both for each count of the indictment”, per the statement. She was sued in 2014 for $5 million by former cast member Kelly Hyland and her family over the bullying manner in which Miller taught Paige Hyland on Dance Moms.

Abby Lee Miller explained, “There was an altercation at one of the competitions”.

Miller is also accused of being untruthful on various financial reports related to her dance studio, which include completely failing to report at least parts of her income over the time in question. Season 5 has taken them to Los Angeles, where Ms. Miller created a new, West Coast studio.

The “Dance Moms” star is known for her brash behavior and pursuit of perfectionism from her students.

“Fraud and dishonesty in bankruptcy proceedings undermines the integrity of these important proceedings and especially hurts the creditors and American Taxpayers”, said IRS agent Akeia Conner.

So far, the usually outspoken Miller has not made any comments about her case. The show also shows the erratic relationships Miller has with the dancers’ mothers.