2 bench warrants issued for WRIF Rock Girl contestant Jonnie Rae Cude

Jonnie Rae Cude wanted for failing to show up for court dates; WRIF disqualifies her from contest

PONTIAC, Mich. – Just a day after a Local 4 Defenders report aired, Jonnie Rae Cude has turned herself in.

Rae Cude had been a contestant in the WRIF Rock Girl contest. But the Defenders found out she was a wanted woman. In 2008, she was busted for open intoxication but failed to appear at a later court date. In 2009, she faced drunken driving charges. She violated probation by failing to show up in court again.

Two bench warrants were issued in Novi and Farmington Hills for her arrest.

Local 4 learned Wednesday that she had turned herself in, posted bond and would be awaiting a new court date.

In 2008, Jonnie Rae Cude was busted for open intoxication but failed to appear at a later court date.

Rae Cude didn't answer the door when the Defenders stopped by her house this week. However, she later sped by the home in a truck and circled back to talk radio and running from the law.

"I was aware (of the bench warrants), I was called by WRIF this morning," Cude said. "I had a DUI when I was 22 years old ... I just wanted to win the WRIF Rock Girl contest."

The company which owns WRIF released the following statement.

"All the contestants are subject to a criminal background check before the four finalists are selected. Until now, the station was unaware that this contestant had outstanding warrants for her arrest. Due to this information, the individual has been disqualified."


About the Author:

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.