‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ star arrested on fraud charges in Maryland

CARROLL COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — The “Real Housewives of Potomac” (RHOP) Bravo TV show is back in the headlines after cast member Dr. Wendy Osefo and her husband were booked on fraud charges in Carroll County.

The news comes as the show premiered its new season days ago, on Oct. 5.

The RHOP star and her husband, Edward, were indicted and arrested on multiple fraud-related charges.

Fraud Investigation

According to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, on April 7, 2024, deputies responded to a home on Turnberry Court to investigate a burglary and theft. There, deputies met with the homeowners, Wendy Osefo and her husband, who told authorities that they had just returned from vacation and noticed that someone had entered their home.

The sheriff’s office said the married couple reported about 80 items of jewelry, luxury goods, clothing and shoes, totaling more than $200,000, had been stolen from their home.

During the investigation, authorities learned that over $20,000 of the items reported stolen had allegedly been returned by the couple, where they were purchased. Detectives also reported finding pictures of one of the Osefos wearing the jewelry, after the alleged burglary.

On Oct. 9, detectives presented the case to the grand jury, and the Osefos were indicted.

CCSO issued a search warrant for the home, and the pair was taken into custody.

Wendy and Edward were both taken to the Carroll County Central Booking, where they were formally charged.

On Friday morning, the sheriff’s office released the couple’s mugshots, showing them both smiling.

Who is Dr. Wendy Osefo?

Dr. Wendy Osefo is an award-winning scholar, professor and entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of the 1954 Equity Project.

Osefo received a Bachelor of Arts from Temple University, a Master of Arts from John Hopkins University and a Master of Science from Rutgers University. She is credited as the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in public affairs/community development at Rutgers University.

Following her connections to politics, Osefo serves as the Director of Family and Community Engagement for President Barack Obama’s anti-poverty initiative.

She joined the RHOP cast in 2020, as the show was in its fifth season.

Wendy and Edward have been married for more than 10 years.