Abby Lee Miller, the outspoken star of Dance Moms, made tabloid headlines in 2018 when she was sentenced to prison for bankruptcy fraud. This raised the question – is Abby Lee Miller in prison? As one of reality TV’s biggest villains, Miller’s sudden downfall shocked fans. A deeper look at her high-profile criminal tax case and eventual incarceration provides answers on her whereabouts and future.
The Charges Against Abby Lee Miller
In October 2015, Abby Lee Miller was indicted in federal court on 20 counts of fraud and other financial crimes. The charges alleged that Miller:
- Hid over $750,000 of income earned through her reality shows, dance classes, and merchandising deals during Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
- Smuggled $120,000 worth of Australian currency into the U.S. without reporting it.
- Provided falsified documents and fraudulent accounting practices to the bankruptcy court trustee.
If convicted, Miller faced up to five years in prison as well as sizable fines.
Details of the Fraud Scheme
According to prosecutors, Miller created secret bank accounts from Dance Moms proceeds that she concealed during bankruptcy filings between 2012-2013.
Additional shady accounting that obscured her true assets and income included:
- Making “loan” payments to family friends that were immediately returned to Miller.
- Cashing checks from appearances directly instead of business accounts.
- Funneling foreign dance class revenue through associates then taking it back under the table.
Miller pleaded not guilty initially but later reversed course and cooperated with authorities, admitting guilt to the charges.
Miller’s Change of Plea and Sentencing
In June 2016, Abby Lee Miller changed her plea to guilty on reduced charges of bankruptcy fraud, false bankruptcy declarations, and smuggling money.
In May 2017, Miller was sentenced to 1 year and 1 day in federal prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. She was also fined $40,000 and ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution.
Miller later said she deeply regretted her crimes, which she attributed to trusting dishonest people in her business dealings.
Where Did Miller Serve Her Prison Time?
In July 2017, Miller surrendered herself to authorities at the Federal Correctional Complex in Victorville, CA to begin her sentence.
She served 8.5 months at the low-security satellite prison camp adjacent to the main facility. These camps house minimum security female offenders with light medical needs.
While locked up, Miller passed time teaching dance classes to fellow inmates and working on an autobiography.
Miller’s Early Prison Release
Miller was originally scheduled for release in March 2018. However, ongoing health issues resulted in an earlier exit.
In May 2018, she was transferred to a Long Beach, CA halfway house to complete her sentence under home confinement. This allowed her to undergo spinal surgery and receive physical therapy locally.
On March 27, 2018, after 259 days behind bars, Miller was released from custody and allowed to return home. She then faced supervised probation through 2019.
Abby Lee Miller Today
Since being freed from prison in 2018, Abby Lee Miller has resumed her career in show business:
- She returned for a revamped 8th season of Dance Moms on Lifetime starting in June 2019.
- She has made guest appearances judging dance competitions across the U.S. and Australia.
- She launched a new ALDC dancewear clothing line and other business ventures.
- She continues to teach master classes and workshops at her Los Angeles and Pittsburgh studios.
While her fraud conviction tarnished her reputation, Miller has bounced back after doing her time. She found redemption, reclaiming her place as dance’s biggest anti-hero.
Conclusion
Abby Lee Miller’s journey through the criminal justice system for bankruptcy fraud shows that stars face real consequences for white collar crimes. While incarceration was a blow, Miller has recovered professionally and personally since being released early from prison. She paid her dues and remains one of reality television’s most polarizing figures by being true to herself.
FAQs
How much prison time was Abby Lee Miller originally sentenced to?
1 year and 1 day or 366 days in federal prison.
What was the name of the prison facility Abby Lee Miller served her time in?
The Victorville Federal Correctional Institution satellite camp in California.
How many months did Abby Lee Miller actually end up spending in prison?
She served 8.5 months before being released early to home confinement.
What were the factors that led to Miller’s early prison release?
Ongoing spine issues and need for surgical treatment resulted in her transfer to a halfway house 2 months shy of completing her full sentence.
Where is Abby Lee Miller living and working now following her release?
She is based out of Los Angeles where she films Dance Moms and runs her dance company, though she travels regularly for appearances.