Karen Huger’s Friend “Cookie” Has a Shady Past — RHOP Fans Shocked to Learn About Her Criminal Record
Media Take Out has learned that Cherita “Cookie” Whiting, Karen Huger’s close friend who appeared on this week’s episode of The Real Housewives of Potomac, isn’t exactly new to the prison life she was discussing on the show.
In the latest episode, Cookie showed up to Ashley Darby’s Second Bloom Ball, where the RHOP ladies — especially Gizelle Bryant — were eager to get the inside scoop on how Karen Huger is holding up behind bars. Karen, who is currently serving a one-year sentence following multiple DUI convictions, has been the talk of Potomac society since her sentencing.
When Gizelle approached Cookie for an update, Cookie assured her that “Karen’s doing good” and that she’s been keeping in touch with Karen’s husband, Ray Huger. “Oh yeah, I talk to Ray every day. He’s doing good. He’s golfing and everything like that,” Cookie said confidently.
But while Cookie seemed like a loyal and classy friend on screen, Media Take Out did some digging — and it turns out Cookie has a pretty serious criminal history of her own.
The Truth About Cookie’s Past
According to federal and Maryland court records, Cherita “Cookie” Whiting served nearly two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud in 2001. Court transcripts show that she entered a guilty plea on July 3, 2001, after being caught lying about a prior felony conviction on a job application to work for Maryland council member Phil Mendelson.
Before that federal conviction, Cookie was charged multiple times with crimes including fraud, forgery, passing bad checks, and theft. In 1994, she pleaded guilty to theft, was placed on home detention, and ordered to pay restitution.
Over the years, courts have ordered Cookie to repay more than $150,000 in diverted funds, according to both state and federal documents reviewed by Media Take Out.
From Convict to “Socialite”?
These days, Cookie presents herself as a polished DMV socialite, rubbing shoulders with Potomac’s elite and popping up on Bravo alongside Karen Huger. But her criminal record paints a much messier picture — one that longtime RHOPfans are now calling out online.
One commenter wrote, “No wonder she’s so calm talking about Karen’s time behind bars — she’s been there before!”Another fan added, “Cookie acting like she’s Potomac royalty when she’s got a whole federal case history. This is wild.”
Media Take Out’s Take
It looks like Karen Huger isn’t the only RHOP figure with a history of legal trouble. While Cookie might be enjoying her new spotlight as Karen’s loyal friend, her past suggests she’s no stranger to the justice system — or the consequences that come with it.
Still, it seems Karen and Cookie have one thing in common: both women know what it means to fall from grace — and maybe, just maybe, to make a comeback.