Way back in 2009, The Bachelor contestant Melissa Rycroft received Jason Mesnick’s final rose. Unfortunately, he quickly changed his mind and announced he’d rather marry his runner-up, Molly Malaney. At the time, Melissa must have thought it was the worst day of her life, though much worse was ahead.
On October 24, Texas prosecutors charged the former Bachelorette with a misdemeanor for allegedly operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. At the time, she scored a “0.15 or more” blood alcohol concentration.
Melissa Rycroft could face jail time over an alleged drunk driving charge
Per Texas law, where Melissa lives with her family, she’s now facing a mandatory three days in jail. She could also be sentenced to up to 180 days in jail for a first DUI offense.
The misdemeanor charge comes just weeks after she was arrested on September 23 in Tarrant County, Texas. A court date is scheduled for next month.
According to Us Weekly, Melissa spent eight hours behind bars after being involved in a hit-and-run preceding her arrest. Though she initially told officers that a driver had hit her car and driven off, an eyewitness provided another version. The witness claimed no other car was involved and that Melissa’s vehicle had been swerving before her accident. Her Cadillac Escalade was reportedly damaged when it hit a tree.
Officers first became suspicious of the reality star when they noticed her “bloodshot eyes” and “slurred speech.” Another officer recognized the “slight odor of a metabolized alcoholic beverage” on her breath. Additionally, police found spilled liquids inside the car, which they believed to be alcohol.
Following her release from jail, Melissa’s attorney urged the public to remember “every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty … An arrest is no indication of guilt.”
On October 6, the Season 15 winner of Dancing with the Stars told her social media fans she was “struggling.” Writing on Instagram, she shared, “Life really sucks right now … but I’m trying to march forward.”
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TELL US – DO YOU THINK MELISSA WILL DO TIME?
