Last updated at 5:50 PM on 26th August 2011
The stepmother of a Real Housewives of New Jersey star has been accused of burning down her home in an insurance scam - and using the cash to pay for cosmetic surgery
Jodie Sue Holmes is alleged to have used a $429,000 settlement after her home burnt down to pay for the surgery ahead of her appearance on the reality show.
The 36 year old - whose step daughter is Ashley Laurita - is also alleged to have spent $40,000 on a diamond ring.
Mugshots: Jodie Sue and Matt Holmes, seen here in a police booking photo, have been accused of burning down their Texas home in an insurance scam
Jodi Sue appeared in the TV show with her husband Matt, Ashley's father, last week as they attempted to stage an intervention for the 20 year old.
Ashley, daughter of Housewives regular Jacqueline Laurita, met with her father and mother as they tried to talk her into quitting her partying lifestyle in an August 14th episode called "Child's Play No More."
But it has now emerged Holmes and his wife were out on bail when the episode was screened.
Appearance: The couple featured in a recent episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Matt is the ex of show regular Jacqueline Laurita and they have a daughter together, Ashley, who also appears on the reality programme
They are accused of burning down their home in Saginaw, Parker County, Texas, as part of an insurance fraud.
The couple's four bedroom house was being remodelled when it was gutted by fire in March.
Two months ago a fire investigation ruled that it had been started deliberately.
Jacqueline and daughter Ashley, pictured last year in New Jersey
Holmes had told investigators the blaze started about 30 minutes after he dropped off some supplies to the builders.
But police said a "credible witness" came forward and claimed to have seen Holmes dousing the structure in both gasoline and kerosene and then torching the place.
According to an arrest report the couple received a $429,000 insurance payout.
Authorities claims some of the money was spent by Jodie Sue on cosmetic surgery and a diamond ring.
The couple were arrested in June following a three month investigation.
Holmes has been charged with arson, insurance fraud and money laundering and was released after posting $225,000 bond.
His wife was charged with money laundering and posted her $75,000 bond.
Her step daughter featured in one of the most explosive episodes of the Housewives of New Jersey when she attacked Danielle Staub.
The 20-year-old was filmed pulling Staub's hair with the alleged assault resulting in a lawsuit that has yet to be settled.
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