1,000-Lb. Sisters star Amy Slaton could be about to lose custody of her children.
The legal mess started on Monday when the TLC star claimed she was bitten by a camel at the Tennessee Safari Park. Cops showed up along with EMTs to help and discovered Amy and her male companion, Brian Scott Lovvorn, allegedly had 80 grams of marijuana and magic mushrooms in their vehicle. They were arrested for illegal possession of Schedule I drugs, illegal possession of Schedule VI drugs, and two counts of child endangerment (because two kids under the age of 8 were with them). Per reports, those kids were Amy’s sons Gage, 3, and Glenn, 2, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Michael Halterman.
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Amy and Brian are now looking at serious jail time — but something even more heartbreaking is on the line for the reality star! Sam Dordulian, a former LA County prosecutor, told The US Sun on Thursday that Amy could be facing “serious consequences” if she is convicted, explaining:
“Tennessee considers possession of 1/2 an ounce of marijuana to be a misdemeanor. However, quantities above that can be considered possession with the intent to sell. Here, having 80 grams is a substantial amount and she may be charged with possession with the intent to distribute or sell. However, merely having over half an ounce doesn’t alone mean you were possessing it with the intent to sell.”
Whoa! Even if she didn’t plan to sell, it she could get drug dealer charges! That IS serious! He continued:
“Other factors need to be considered, like was the marijuana individually wrapped; did they have a scale with them; was there a large amount of cash also found with the drugs? Whether or not she possessed for personal use or had an intent to sell becomes less important considering that she is also charged with possessing a Schedule 1 drug (the mushrooms).”
Well, at least she has a good argument that she didn’t have intent to sell… we think. So what about the child endangerment? That’s really serious for a parent — especially a single one!
“When you add in the child endangerment charges, she is looking at serious consequences, including jail time. What makes the child endangerment charges a felony in Tennessee is when the child is under the age of 8., as it appears to be the case here.”
It would be one thing for her to deal with the repercussion of the alleged drugs, but the child issue is more complex:
“Most states have all sorts of drug diversion programs available, but I think the addition of the child endangerment charges may derail their ability to take advantage of such diversion programs. An investigation into whether or not the children need to be taken away for their safety will very likely certainly take place and that investigation may trump the criminal case in importance for Ms. Slaton.”
Oof.
Amy has always been open about how important her kids are to her. Having them taken away would be devastating! On the other hand, they deserve to be in a safe and stable environment, so it is good that authorities will be looking into their parenting situation!
Amy and Brian were both in court on Thursday after each getting out on a $10,000 bond. They both pleaded not guilty, per local outlet WREG, and are due back in court on November 7. According to a previous People source, Amy’s sister Tammy picked up the kids following the arrest. It’s unclear whose custody they are in right now.
Thoughts? Let us know (below).
[Image via Amy Slaton/Instagram & TLC/YouTube]
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