Ah, the joys of appearing on reality television. A week after his appearance on the Real Housewives of New Jersey, the recent arrest of Ashley Holmes’ dad, John Madison Holmes aka Matt Holmes , is now making headlines.
While Matt appeared to be the voice of reason on the most recent episode of the show, it turns out he was actually arrested weeks ago and charged with arson, insurance fraud and money laundering.
Matt, 39, wasn’t arrested until early June of this year, though the alleged arson actually took place on March 12, 2011. Matt’s wife, Jodi Sue Holmes, 36, who also appeared on the RHONJ, was later arrested on a charge of money laundering as well.
According to court records, after a fire destroyed the couple’s Texas two-story house that was undergoing remodel work, Matt told the Police that he had been at the house dropping off supplies for contractors 30 to 45 minutes before firefighters were called to put out the fire.
However, a few months later, “a credible witness” came forward and stated Matt started the fire in three rooms of the house using kerosene and gasoline, according to investigator Ken Dabbs, who already believed the fire to be intentionally set after finding no electrical shorts or other reasonable cause.
Dabbs reveals Matt and his wife received $429,000 in insurance money. The police complaint alleges that Jodi knew about the arson and used the proceeds to make purchases, which included plastic surgery and a $40,000 diamond ring.
Cops reveal that to their knowledge, the couple has never been involved in anything like the suspected arson and neither has ever been arrested. The charges however appear to be pretty serious as the FBI is also involved with the investigation. John was released on $225,000 bond while his wife Jodie was released on $75,000 bond.
As for Ashley, she made the following tweet late yesterday, “FYI- my parents have NOT been indicted..this whole thing was started by a disgruntled employee..they are INNOCENT &that’s all i have to say.”
In lighter news, housewife Melissa Gorga recently took some sexy bikini shots for Life & Style magazine! The 32-year-old mama of three opened up about her diet and staying fit.
“There is no dieting going on in the Gorga household! I can’t diet! I stay active so I can eat what I want,” Melissa tells Life & Style. However, she adds, “I’m not a huge meat-and-potatoes girl. I tend to go for lighter meals, because that’s what I enjoy.” Melissa reveals that after her third C-section, in December 2010, she began meeting with her trainer three times a week for hourlong weight workouts to maintain a sculpted and toned figure. A bikini photo of Melissa is below!
And finally, a new episode of the Real Housewives of New Jersey airs tonight on Bravo. On the 14th episode this season titled “Belly Up and Up,” verbal warfare and an agonizing decision lowlight Jacqueline’s relationship with her daughter. Meanwhile, Teresa’s financial woes escalate. And the wives trek to Kathy’s food-tasting bash, featuring surprise guests and unsavory behavior from Teresa and Melissa.
A preview clip is below!
TELL US – THOUGHTS ON THE ALLEGATIONS REGARDING ASHLEY’S DAD & STEPMOM? PLUS THOUGHTS ON TONIGHT’S NEW EPISODE?
