Is it a crime to be so glamorous? Too debonair? Surely not. Tareq and Michaele Salahi will never be charged for lingering so long in the limelight. Here are a few reasons why Americas newest celebutantes might consider taking it easy this weekend.
Salahis/Facebook/Associated Press
1. Â Bankruptcy, Chapters 7 and 11
The Salahi family winery, Oasis Wines, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in February. Basically, it means you get to take a little time to straighten out your affairs. When the winery couldn’t sell, they had to file for Chapter 7, which is a liquidation of assets. Adding salt to the wound, bankruptcy papers also listed the repossession of an Aston Martin sports car ($150,000) and Carver 350 Mariner boat ($90,000).
2. Pending Civil Suits
16 lawsuits have come through the Fauquier County, Virginia courthouse in the past few years, most dealing with complaints by the neighbors for noisy winery parties. The one raising my eyebrows the most is only an official caution by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, who noted that Mr. Salahi’s “charitable organization” had never been registered or granted exempt status by the commissioner as required by the law. This was in response to a polo match sponsored by Mr. Salahi that would help fund his Journey for the Cure charity. An additional $300,000 lawsuit from a caterer at another polo event, who claimed the Salahi’s never paid him, is but another reason to turn in early this weekend.
3. You Got Caught Lying to the Secret Service
Just last week, Mr. Salahi and his wife attended President Obama’s state dinner party. They were not on the guest list. They did have a few connections at the White House, so whether or not they can be charged with felony fraud for essentially lying to the Secret Service is still up in the air. Their former attorney doesn’t seem to think it will be a problem, saying that they “just went to a party” and “didn’t do anything wrong.” The incident was, however, an unfortunate event for the Secret Service, who look unprofessional and are likely eager to save some kind of face in the situation.
Is it a crime to have so much fun? Apparently sometimes.
Posted by Tyler on December 4, 2009 at 10:30 am.
I guess now they really have to fight for their “right” to party…