Real Housewives of Potomac alum Candiace Dillard Bassett is “floored” by the news of Wendy Osefo and husband Eddie Osefo’s arrest.
“I am shocked. I’m sad,” Candiace, 38, said during an appearance on FOX 5 DC on Friday, October 10. The former Bravo star said she was “shaking” after finding out that the Osefos were arrested just before the news broadcast went on the air.
“I’m literally just getting this news with you all,” she said. “That’s my first thought, that $300 and we’re arresting a mother and a father, business owners, entrepreneurs.”
She added, “We don’t know what the charges are for but we know that the Osefos have a very successful marijuana business. They are providing jobs and opportunities for people of color in the area, in the DMV. My first thought is, ‘Are they being targeted, is this something that we should be thinking about?’”
Breaking Down ‘RHOP’ Star Wendy Osefo and Husband’s Arrest for Fraud
Us Weekly confirmed on Friday that Wendy and Eddie, both 41, were arrested and booked in Westminster, Maryland, one day prior. A grand jury indicted Wendy on charges of insurance fraud, conspiracy insurance fraud and making a false statement to police officers, court documents revealed.
During Friday’s interview, Candiace brought up fellow RHOP star Karen Huger, who was released from prison last month after a 2024 DUI arrest.
“Karen just came home. Karen paid her debt to society,” Candiace said. “But one might opine, perhaps, Karen was made an example of.”
Candiace said she’s “heartbroken” by the entire situation with Wendy.
“We text all the time. She never let on that anything was wrong. I’m shocked, and it just feels like someone is out to get the girls,” Candiace continued. “How are two women from the same show — the same show that features African American women, in the climate we’re living in today, where people are being picked up and snatched off the street for frivolous nonsense. I would like to see everything before I make my final thoughts.”
Wendy and Eddie’s arrest comes more than one year after the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported burglary at their home. The couple claimed in April 2024 that they had gone on a trip to Jamaica and found their home ransacked, reporting that several designer handbags and pieces of jewelry had been stolen.
Eddie shared statements with two insurance companies regarding the stolen property at the time. Both Eddie and Wendy both signed statements claiming damages of $2,500 to their home and $450,000 in property.
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Following the reported burglary, there seemed to be discrepancies in the list of missing items. Two days after the alleged incident, Eddie updated the insurance claim to include Wendy’s gold diamond anniversary band. They received a $25,380 settlement from Travelers Insurance following the claim.
The second claim, with Jewelers Mutual Insurance, had a list of missing items that included Wendy’s gold anniversary band. The Travelers Insurance settlement was not mentioned.
Deputies became suspicious, reportedly seeing photos of Wendy wearing the allegedly stolen band in photos following the apparent April 2024 burglary. A search and seizure warrant was executed at Wendy and Eddie’s home, finding that at least 15 items they claimed to be stolen during the alleged theft were still in the house.
The investigation found that the Osefos were “burdened by substantial debt,” per court documents obtained by Us.
“Dr. Wendy Osefo and her husband, Edward Osefo, are back home safely with their family and in good spirits. They are grateful for the outpouring of concern and support from friends, fans, and colleagues,” a representative for the couple told Us Weekly on Friday. “The Osefos, alongside their legal team, look forward to their day in court. At this time, they respectfully ask for privacy as they focus on their family and the legal process ahead.”