Actress Tawny Kitaen Was Facing Jail Time For A 2019 DUI Arrest Prior To Her Death
May 10 2021, Published 1:00 p.m. ET
Bachelor Party actress Tawny Kitaen unexpectedly died over the weekend but RadarOnline.com has learned she was scheduled to be in court later this month to deal with an unreported DUI arrest.
According to court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Kitaen was facing jail time in the criminal case. The model was arrested for driving under the influence on July 22, 2019. The incident took place in Newport Beach, where she lived for years.
She was officially charged with a misdemeanor over the arrest on October 22, 2019. Prosecutors used her married last name of Finley on the paperwork. Official records show Kitaen pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The case has dragged on for over a year with many delays. The court had a pretrial hearing scheduled for May 18. Kitaen could have faced jail time because it was her 2nd DUI arrest.
Kitaen had a long history of issues with the law. In 2006, a tipster called into the Orange County Sheriff’s Department asking for officers to check on Kitaen’s kids. During the search, they found over 15 grams of cocaine inside the home. Eventually, Kitaen reached a plea deal with prosecutors. She agreed to complete rehab and the charges were dropped.
In 2009, Kitaen was arrested for driving under the influence in Newport Beach. Sources say they believed she was under the influence of prescription pills.
As RadarOnline.com previously reported, on May 7, Kitaen passed away at the age of 59. She was found inside her Newport Beach home by a close association.
The cause of death has yet to be released. The actress struggled with addiction issues for years and even appeared on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.
Days before her death, Kitaen posted a bathroom selfie writing, "She’sssss back! Not feeling good, is like totally not feeling good! I’ve missed you guys. so much. I swear you keep me sane.
Kitaen’s daughters, Wynter and Raine, posted an emotional tribute to their mother on social media. They posted a note that read, “We are heartbroken and saddened to announce the death of our mom. We just want to say thank you for all of you, her fans and her friends, for always showing her such support and love. You gave her life everyday. We miss her and love her and we know her legacy will live on forever.”