“The Real Housewives of Potomac” star Wendy Osefo and her husband Edward “Eddie” Osefo have released a statement regarding their arrest on fraud charges.
“Dr. Wendy Osefo and her husband, Edward Osefo, are healthy and safe at home with their family,” their representative told Page Six Friday.
“They appreciate the outpouring of concern and support from their friends, fans, and colleagues. Mr. and Mrs. Osefos look forward to their day in court with their court team. At this time, they respectfully request privacy as they focus on their family and the upcoming legal process.”
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office in Westminster, Maryland, confirmed to Page Six early Friday that the two were taken into custody Thursday. They were each released after posting $50,000 bond.
The 41-year-old Bravo star is accused of insurance fraud, making false statements to a police officer and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, for a total of 16 charges.
Seven of her charges are felony counts of false/misleading information fraud over $300 and eight are misdemeanor counts of false/misleading information fraud over $300. She also faces a misdemeanor charge of making a false statement to a police officer, according to a Carroll County Sheriff’s Office public information officer.
Her spouse faces 18 charges, nine of which are felony counts of False/Misleading Information Fraud Over $300. Eight of Eddie’s charges include a misdemeanor count of fraud by false or misleading information over $300, and he also faces a misdemeanor count of making a false statement to a police officer.
Mugshots released on Friday showed both Wendy and Eddie smiling as they were booked.
The charges stem from a robbery reported by the couple in April 2024, which they claim occurred while they were on a tropical spring break vacation in Jamaica with their families. The reality TV star claimed that her expensive items, including jewelry and designer handbags, were stolen.
“My family and I are shocked and feel violated by this intrusion,” Wendy told TMZ at the time. “Thank God there was no one at home…so we feel very blessed. Material things can always be replaced.”
However, according to documents obtained by Us Weekly, investigators cited problems with the former CNN commentator’s testimony, including the fact that the couple “allegedly activated the ADT alarm system when they went on vacation,” but “no movement was detected within the residence” during the couple’s absence.
“Activities such as package deliveries were observed on Ring cameras that were remotely monitored by Osefos,” authorities noted. Documents obtained by the outlet also revealed that Eddy provided two insurance companies with a list of the items that were allegedly stolen.
“When asked if the items on the list had been returned, he denied that,” the document said. “He was asked if he had any other insurance, but did not disclose to HomeSite and the jeweler that he was also making a claim under Traveler Insurance.”
The couple signed a claim for a $450,000 loss of property. Eddie then contacted Travelers to suggest that Wendy’s diamond commemorative ring was missing and to update his claim. However, in the original Travelers claim, attorneys said the couple were wearing the commemorative rings at the time of the alleged loss.
Sheriff’s deputies later learned that the Bravolebrity had appeared on social media as wearing the ring in question. As suspicions mounted, authorities learned the couple faced “significant debts.”
An investigation revealed that some of the allegedly stolen items were returned to their original locations of purchase and “a full refund had been issued prior to the alleged theft.”
Comments from a September 2024 interview on the Gabbing With Gib podcast have resurfaced, in which Wendy said she was “very heartbroken” to have been “violated, so to speak” by the robbery charges.
Wendy joined the cast of RHOP in 2020. The couple have three children.
