‘Dance Moms’ star Abby Lee Miller pleads in bankruptcy case

“Dance Moms” star Abby Lee Miller pleaded guilty Monday to federal charges related to bankruptcy fraud and money laundering charges. Sentencing was set for October 11 but will likely await the outcome of a bankruptcy fraud case now before the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Third District that could impact Miller’s sentence.

According to records, Miller concealed assets to the tune of $755,000 when she declared bankruptcy back in December 2010.

“Throughout this case, Miss Miller has taken both the allegations and the proceedings very seriously”, said Abby’s attorney Robert Ridge in a statement.

The “this chapter” in Miller’s statement refers to the criminal charges, not her job on the show, USA Today reported.

Abby Lee Miller has a fight in one of the scenes in “Dance Moms”.

It’s not what you usually read online, but this time around, it looks like Abby Lee Miller will be the one leaving the show, instead of the typical team members doing the evacuation.

Ms. Miller had no comment after the hearing, nor did her lawyer, although they provided a statement to the media clustered on Grant Street in which they said Ms. Miller “appreciates the words of encouragement and support from around the world”.

The plea deal and potential two-and-a-half year prison sentence is a step down from the potential five-year sentence and $5 million fine Abby faced for the initial charges.

Miller was first charged last fall with illegally trying to hide $775,000 worth of income from the Lifetime network reality show and spinoff projects during her Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Federal agents claimed Miller created bank accounts to hide income she earned as an instructor on the show, which follows competitive young dancers and inevitably showcases conflicts between their mothers and Miller.

Dance Moms finished its sixth season on Lifetime this past spring.

Because of the legal issues that Miller is facing, there are rumors circulating that former “Dancing Moms” star Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, who has her own dance studio now, might replace the ALDC coach.