Wendy Osefo, a prominent figure from “Real Housewives of the Potomac,” and her husband, Edward Osefo, face serious legal challenges after being charged with insurance fraud in Carroll County, Maryland. The couple allegedly misled insurance companies regarding a burglary at their Finksburg home, attempting to defraud them of over $400,000, according to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.
At a press conference, Sheriff Jim DeWees and Carroll County State’s Attorney Haven Shoemaker provided details on the case. The Osefos reportedly filed a false police report on April 7, 2024, claiming their home was burglarized while they were on vacation. They alleged that approximately 80 items, including luxury goods like jewelry and designer clothing, valued at more than $200,000, were stolen.
Investigators uncovered inconsistencies in the couple’s claims. They found that over $20,000 worth of the purportedly stolen items had been returned to stores after the alleged burglary date. Additionally, photos surfaced showing Wendy Osefo wearing items listed as stolen, raising further suspicions.
Sheriff DeWees stated, “Some folks may view insurance fraud as an innocuous crime, since it only affects insurance companies. That is certainly not true.” He emphasized that such fraudulent activities impact everyone’s insurance premiums and that the Sheriff’s Office treats these allegations with the utmost seriousness.
Court documents detail further discrepancies at the crime scene. The Osefos reported that a second-floor bathroom window was the entry point for the alleged burglars. However, investigators noted that there were no signs of forced entry, such as disturbed furniture on the deck or ladders left behind. These observations contradicted the couple’s claims that they had not touched anything before the police arrived.
On Thursday, a grand jury indicted the couple, leading to their arrest. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at their home, uncovering additional jewelry and high-end handbags. Edward Osefo, aged 41, provided recorded statements to two insurance companies, denying that any claimed items had been returned. He also failed to disclose a separate claim to a third insurer, Travelers Insurance, while submitting lists of stolen property to Homesite and Jewelers Mutual.
Suspicion grew when, weeks after the burglary, Wendy Osefo posted images on social media featuring jewelry that had been reported as stolen, including a diamond anniversary band. Edward Osefo allegedly communicated with his wife about seeking “additional high-value items” to inflate their claims, even stating, “I am trying to get the value to exceed $420,000, which is our policy maximum.”
The couple submitted a sworn statement of loss to the insurance companies, claiming $2,500 in building damage and $450,000 in personal property loss. They were paid $25,000 for the diamond band, according to authorities.
As of their arrest, the Osefos did not have legal representation listed in online court records. Following their detention at Carroll County Central Booking, they were released on $50,000 bond each. Sheriff DeWees noted that the investigation would have been conducted with the same rigor regardless of the couple’s public profile, affirming, “We would have handled it the same way.”
The Osefos continue to film for Bravo’s “Real Housewives,” adding another layer of public interest to this unfolding story.
For updates and tips, contact reporters Todd Karpovich at [email protected] or Bryna Zumer at [email protected].