MTV has not yet made a final decision on the Teen Mom franchise. Still, that hasn’t stopped the cast, both former and current, from getting into trouble and stirring up drama. Whitney Purvis, who appeared on season 1 of 16 and Pregnant, is in serious legal trouble. Earlier this month, Purvis was arrested on involuntary manslaughter charges and denied bail. She’ll need to navigate the justice system from behind bars.

Why was Whitney Purvis arrested?

On July 7, Whitney Purvis was taken into custody by police officers after an investigation found that she allegedly disseminated drugs that led to a fatal overdose. According to several sources, Purvis stands accused of giving a man named John Mark Harris Tranq. Tranq is a street drug that is a mix of Fentanyl and Xylazine.

Harris, a 37-year-old chef, died from an overdose on February 17. It does not appear that Purvis was on-site at the time of his death. She left a public comment on his obituary, praising him for being a good friend. She also noted that she was upset she had only learned of his passing after his celebration of life had taken place.

A judge has denied the troubled Georgia native bail

While John Mark Harris died in February 2025, Purvis was not arrested for her role in the death until July. Due to the nature of the crime, a Georgia judge has denied Purvis’ request for bail. According to The U.S. Sun, Purvis submitted a request for bail shortly after her arrest. A hearing will be held on July 17 to discuss bail further, although it is expected that the district attorney will argue against allowing Purvis to return home to await trial.

Purvis’ charges are serious ones and could carry a pretty lengthy jail sentence. She has been charged with aggravated involuntary manslaughter, distribution of a controlled substance, and use of a communication device to commit a felony. The DEA was involved in the investigation. The mother of two could be facing years behind bars if convicted.

Whitney Purvis’ ex speaks out

Whitney Purvis’ close family is remaining quiet in light of her arrest. Still, some people familiar with the former reality TV personality are willing to speak. Following her arrest, Whitney Purvis’ ex-fiancé, Weston Gosa, spoke out. Gosa and Purvis have had a complicated co-parenting relationship since their split. He told TMZ that he and his family were deeply saddened by the death of John Mark Harris and were praying for his family.  Gosa went on to say he hoped Purvis would use this arrest as a wake-up call to recover and get the help she needs.

Purvis and Gosa share two children. Their eldest son, Weston Owen Gosa, died on June 2. He was just 16. He died from natural causes. Their second child, River Gosa, currently resides with his father and stepmother. Purvis reportedly has a third child named Collin, who was born in 2023. It is unclear where that child is now.