TLC's Karen Derrico charged with allegedly threatening ex and kids
TLC star Karen Derrico is facing multiple criminal charges stemming from allegations that she threatened her ex-husband and their children.
The "Doubling Down with the Derricos" alum, 46, was arrested in Las Vegas on June 17 and charged with harassment and violating a restraining order, both misdemeanors, as well as preventing or attempting to prevent a witness from testifying through threat of violence and aggravated stalking, which are felonies, according to court records obtained by USA TODAY.
During her June 23 arraignment, prosecutors alleged Karen Derrico sent threatening text messages and emails to her ex-husband, Deon Derrico, with whom she shares 14 children, according to the case docket.
TMZ reported on June 24 that the criminal complaint alleged Karen Derrico said she would “kill any of the kids” who sided with her estranged husband and threatened to kill him if he showed up to a court hearing for the restraining order he filed against her in April.
Court records reviewed by USA TODAY show Karen Derrico denied the allegations and accused Deon Derrico of accessing her accounts and forging emails. Her defense also requested the court to subpoena the IP address to trace where the messages originated.
Karen Derrico was released on $2,000 bail and ordered to wear an ankle monitor, and a preliminary hearing has been set for August.
USA TODAY has reached out to Karen Derrico's lawyer for comment.
Karen and Deon Derrico divorced in 2024
Karen and Deon Derrico, who got married in 2005, filed for divorce on June 4, 2024, and the paperwork was finalized on June 6, 2024, according to documents obtained by TMZ. The outlet reported the couple would equally split legal and physical custody of the 13 minor children they share, as their oldest was already 18 at the time.
Deon Derrico agreed to pay Karen Derrico $1,166 a month in child support, while she was responsible for the kids' medical insurance, per TMZ.
The family of 16 rose to fame documenting their lives on TLC's "Doubling Down with the Derricos," which ran for five seasons from 2020 until Deon and Karen Derrico's split in 2024. The final season featured several arguments between the two as their marriage deteriorated and the show ultimately came to an end.