Karen Huger checked into rehab amid drug conviction

Karen Huger was absent from the Real Housewives of Potomac taping because she entered rehab.

Grand Dame was found guilty of aggravated battery in December after her arrest in March. The reality TV star was charged with DUI and DWI after she crashed her Maserati into a utility pole in Montgomery County, Maryland on March 19, 2024.

Karen Huger was arrested by the Montgomery County Police Department after the crash.

According to BravoEveryday dish” said Huger’s manager Ryan Tresdale, who announced the “RHOP” star had decided to enter a rehab program.

“Karen has made the important decision to enter a private recovery program,” the statement said. “Therefore (she) was unable to attend the reunion taping today. She was fully supported in this election. We support Karen as she embarks on this meaningful journey and are proud of her for taking such a significant step forward in her personal growth. “

According to reports, the 61-year-old star of the reality show was found guilty of aggravated battery and could face up to two years in prison. FOX 5 News.

Fox 5 News total police body cam personnel from the arrest, and video captured Huger slurring her words and appearing intoxicated after she crashed into a utility pole near Oaklyn Drive in Potomac.

Paramedics at the scene said the “RHOP” star was “wobbly on her feet, refusing treatment and verbally lashing out at first responders” after the crash. Huger’s husband, Ray, was also on hand.

One officer asked Huger, “Do you remember the accident?”

– Yes, – she answered. After asking what happened, she said. “Nothing really,” prodding her husband, “someone knocked you off the road.”

“They are,” Karen said. However, when the officer asked her, “Do you remember this car at all?” the Bravo star replied, “No.”

The “RHOP” star’s husband, Ray, was at the scene after the crash, and he suggested to police that his wife had only had “a couple of beers” the night of the crash.

The security guard husband also tried to limit communication between his wife and the officers when they asked Karen how much alcohol she had consumed, but he was unsuccessful.

“I’m just saying they’re assuming you’ve had more than you should, and I’m assuming you know you’ve had a couple of beers or something,” Ray said.

Karen replied, “Yes, that’s all I had.”

Huger reportedly refused a breathalyzer test and a field sobriety test, but was arrested at the scene.

After Huger’s arrest, she was taken to the police station for processing.

As a police officer helped the “RHOP” star out of the cruiser, she tripped and exclaimed, “I’m on fire!”

“You’re on fire,” the officer replied.

The reality star’s lawyers argued in court that she was only “emotionally distressed” but not intoxicated when she crashed.

In addition to being found guilty of careless driving, Huger was found guilty of failing to control speed to avoid a collision and failing to notify authorities of a change of address. The star of the reality show was acquitted of charges of careless driving.

After the shocking video of Huger’s arrest was shared YouTube– fans reacted to the shots.

One fan noted: “I hate it for Karen, but she, she needs help. She is drunk.”

Another fan wrote: “Not Big Lady!!!”

After found guiltythe lawyer of Huger A. gave a statement. Scott Bolden PEOPLE saying she is “disappointed” by the guilty verdict but plans to appeal.

“While we are disappointed with the jury’s verdict, we certainly respect their decision and appreciate the time they spent considering our case,” Bolden wrote. “We still reserve the right to appeal and intend to fully pursue justice on her behalf. We appreciate your support and prayers for Mrs. Huger and her family at this time.”

Huger will be sentenced on January 29.