Teen Mom Amber Charged With Felony for Attack on Baby Daddy

Star of MTV reality series could face up to three years in jail if convicted

By Peter Gicas Dec 27, 2010 8:08 PMTags
Amber PortwoodMTV

Teen Mom's Amber Portwood may soon be starring in a brand-new reality series: The People's Court.

The troubled MTV star has been formally charged with two felony counts of domestic battery, one felony count of neglect of a dependent and one misdemeanor of domestic violence and battery, E! News has confirmed. 

The charges were handed down on Monday by Indiana prosecutors following an initial investigation by the Anderson Police Department into allegations that Portwood had roughed up her estranged baby daddy, Gary Shirley, in front of MTV cameras and, worse, in front of their 2-year-old daughter, Leah.  

While the incident took place several months ago, a Teen Mom episode that aired in October featuring some of the disturbing images caught on tape raised the concerns of local authorities as well as Child Protective Services.

Meanwhile, Amber's brother, Shawn Portwood, tells E! News that his sister is with him right now and that her daughter Leah stayed at Shirley's house last night.

"We were supposed to be having Christmas with my mom today, but plans have changed somewhat," Shawn said. "Gary is supposed to bring Amber to the courthouse today. If need be, he will be the one posting bail as well. Amber is very nervous. She is waiting for her lawyer to call her back. The paparazzi are swarming her house."

If convicted of all charges, Portwood could face up to three years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

—Additional reporting by Katie Rhames