RHONJ: Luis Ruelas' Legal Troubles Totally Explained

Over the last 12 years, reality TV fans have immersed themselves in the dramatic life of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Guidice. Since debuting in 2009, the cookbook author has delivered an array of jaw-dropping moments, including that unforgettable table flip, her feud with Joe and Melissa Gorga, and pushing Andy Cohen during Season 2's reunion. However, one aspect of the reality TV star's life that keeps pop culture enthusiasts returning for more is her love life. For the first few seasons, the Bravolebrity was married to Joe Guidice. However their once-perfect relationship was ruined after they were charged with and later convicted for 41 counts of fraud.

Following Joe Guidice's deportation to Italy, the pair announced they were calling it quits. "They discussed their future when Teresa and the girls went to Italy in early November, and they agreed that each had to move on," a source revealed to People in 2019. Despite dealing with an emotional divorce, Teresa found love again with businessman Luis Ruelas in 2020. But the pair's honeymoon period was short-lived after shocking rumors began to circulate regarding Ruelas' personal and professional life, resulting in Teresa's castmates warning her about his intentions. "Luis didn't sign up for this — to be antagonized, to be questioned. Anything," she said during a confessional in episode 4 of "RHONJ" Season 12. While Teresa has remained adamant about Ruelas being a good guy, the businessman was recently hit with eye-opening legal trouble of his own.

In recent years, Luis Ruelas, husband of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Guidice, has made headlines for his questionable business practices. In March 2022, the businessman and his company Digital Media Solutions were slapped with a class-action lawsuit for allegedly "violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act," per Page Six. " Under the legal filing, which stemmed from three individual complaints, Ruelas' company was accused of sending "unsolicited text messages" regarding an array of discounted services and offers. "Defendant's unsolicited text messages caused Plaintiff harm, including invasion of his privacy and annoyance," the suit read. While the aforementioned filing was later dismissed, Ruelas' legal troubles concerning his business didn't end there.

One year after Digital Media Solutions was sued for invading peoples' privacy, Juanita Williams filed a class action lawsuit against Ruelas' company and Choice Health Insurance for harassment on May 24. According to documents obtained by Us Weekly, Williams received various calls from Choice Health Insurance despite being on the Do Not Call registry. After answering one of the health company's calls, a representative allegedly informed the plaintiff that Digital Media Solutions gave them her number. Under the filing, Williams asked for $1,500 for each of the calls she received from the aforementioned company. As of this writing, Ruelas has yet to release a statement regarding the lawsuit. 

Luis Ruelas' recent business woes aren't the only legal pickles in which he's been involved. In March 2022, the reality TV star and the company he was involved with, Produce Depot, were sued for $130,000. According to court documents, which were obtained by The U.S. Sun, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. held Ruelas and his business partner responsible for Produce Depot not paying for its orders of fruit, vegetables and condiments. "[Luis Ruelas and his business partner] are or were owners, officers, directors, members and/or at least 10 percent shareholders of Produce Depot during the relevant time period, making them 'responsibly connected,'" the suit added. Lastly, C.H. Robinson Worldwide asked for the pair to pay for its legal fees and interest, in addition to the hefty unpaid tab. 

While Ruelas and his partner refuted claims that they controlled the company, the former ended up paying $20,000 to C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. — with Produce Depot paying $120,000, per Heavy. Outside of his business controversies, Ruelas has also faced legal trouble for his alleged behavior with past romantic partners. In a 2020 lawsuit, his ex-fiancée Vanessa Reiser accused the TV star of "demanding sex whenever he wanted," per Page Six. The suit added that if she "objected" to his advances, Ruelas would "punish" her. While the pair settled the matter outside of court, the floodgates officially opened, with other women accusing him of "love bombing" and having an insatiable sex drive.