Monica Garcia, a new member of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast, has raised eyebrows with her remarks about Jen Shah, but Meredith Marks has her doubts.
Meredith Marks, aged 51, exclusively shared her thoughts with Us Weekly on September 6th, having met Monica on a snowy day. She described Monica as high-energy and ready to have a good time. Meredith was cautiously optimistic about her.
However, Monica’s claim that she spoke to a friend in the Secret Service about Jen, who is 49, left Meredith puzzled. She questioned the connection, stating, “The first thing that really went through my head… is that the Secret Service is not the FBI.” As far as she knows, the Secret Service is responsible for presidential security. Meredith couldn’t see how Jen’s actions related to presidential security, finding the whole thing odd and confusing.
During the season 4 premiere on September 5, Monica, aged 40, revealed that she had known Jen long before her 2021 arrest and had even helped her out after Jen fired one of her assistants. Allegedly, Jen offered Monica a way to make more money.
Monica recalled feeling uneasy about the situation and consulted a friend in the Secret Service. His advice was clear: “Get the f–k away from Jen Shah; she’s going to prison.” Two months later, Jen was indeed arrested, leading Monica to become a witness for the federal government in her trial.
Jen initially pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering but changed her plea in July 2022. The U.S. Attorney’s office dropped the money laundering charge as part of her plea agreement. In January, she was sentenced to six and a half years in prison, later reporting to FPC Bryan in Texas. Her sentence was reduced by one year in March.
Jen’s absence from RHOSLC altered the dynamics of season 4, according to Meredith. While Jen was a significant presence, the season introduced changes beyond her departure, including Mary Cosby’s return and Angie Katsanevas joining full-time. Monica’s arrival also contributed to the mix of personalities. Meredith couldn’t pinpoint what changes could be attributed solely to Jen’s absence.
Meredith expressed her delight at having Mary, aged 50, back on the show after her departure in season 2. She finds Mary’s unique perspective and humor refreshing, highlighting moments like Mary’s comical reaction to spicy salad.
In summary, the new RHOSLC season brings fresh dynamics with Monica’s arrival and the return of Mary Cosby, making it distinct from its predecessors. The absence of Jen Shah is just one of the many factors contributing to these changes.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City airs on Bravo Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET.