Whitney Purvis Back in Jail Days After Making Bail
Whitney Purvis had a very short taste of freedom. Purvis, who was arrested on July 7 on serious criminal charges, posted bond just days ago. Less than a week after her release, a warrant was issued for the 16 and Pregnant star’s arrest once again. Purvis violated the conditions of her bond almost instantly and has landed back in jail with additional criminal charges. Here’s what is happening now.
Whitney Purvis violated the conditions of her probation
Whitney Purvis was released from a Georgia jail on or around July 18. It is unclear how she raised the $15,000 bond that secured her release. She wasn’t free to go without restriction, though. Her release came with several conditions. On Tuesday, July 22, Purvis allegedly violated those conditions.
While her probation violation has not been made public, The Ashley Reality Roundup Group notes that the mother of three was arrested on the probation violation in a different county from her original arrest and has been slapped with two additional drug charges. It appears likely that she was found in possession of drugs either during a probation screening or during a routine interaction with police. Purvis will likely remain in jail until she has resolved all of her legal issues.
Why was she arrested on July 7?
Whitney Purvis’ legal troubles began on July 7 when a warrant for her arrest was issued in her home state of Georgia. Purvis was arrested and charged in connection with the death of a 37-year-old Rome, Georgia, man. According to court records, Purvis is accused of distributing a deadly dose of Tranq to John Mark Harris, a chef. Harris died of a drug overdose in February 2025.
Purvis’ time behind bars was harrowing from the sounds of it. According to People, while in jail, she was placed on suicide watch and underwent drug detox. The suicide watch was the result of “disturbing comments” made to jail staff. Purvis’ arrest came just weeks after her son, Weston Gosa Jr., died of natural causes at the age of 16. The teen had been living with his father, Weston Gosa, his stepmother, and his siblings at the time of his death. Purvis and the Gosas traded barbs in the media over the teen’s funeral arrangements. Weston Gosa commented on Purvis’ arrest. He told TMZ that he hopes the criminal charges will serve as the wake-up call she needs.
How long could Whitney Purvis spend in jail if convicted?
Whitney Purvis’ recent probation violations are certainly problematic. She was already facing years behind bars without her most recent slip-up, though. In 2024, Georgia passed Austin’s Law, which aims to combat the fentanyl crisis. The law established an involuntary manslaughter charge for fentanyl-related crimes that Purvis is facing. The charge carries a sentence of between 10 and 30 years. The term can not be combined with other charges.
Along with felony involuntary manslaughter, police charged Purvis with distribution of a controlled substance and use of a communication device to commit a felony. Both charges stem from Purvis’ alleged involvement in the death of John Mark Harris. She has picked up three additional charges as a result of her recent encounter with the law. According to The Ashley, Purvis is now also facing two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one probation violation charge. While each charge carries varying sentences, it’s possible she could spend decades behind bars if convicted. The almost instant probation violation has done nothing to strengthen her case, that is for sure.
