Former “16 and Pregnant” Star Among Three Arrested in Northwest Georgia This Week

ROME, GA — A former reality television star was among three individuals arrested this week in separate incidents across the Rome area, involving charges ranging from drug distribution resulting in death to aggravated assault and DUI.

Whitney Purvis Charged in Fatal Overdose

Whitney Blake Purvis, 33, best known for her appearance on MTV’s “16 and Pregnant,” was arrested after police said she supplied a deadly drug mixture that led to the overdose death of a Rome man. Authorities allege that Purvis distributed a combination of Xylazine and Fentanyl—commonly referred to as “Tranq”—to 37-year-old John Mark Harris at his home on East Eighth Street. Harris was later found deceased by his father.

Purvis has faced previous legal trouble, including arrests for shoplifting and failure to pay child support. Earlier this year, her 16-year-old son, Weston Owen Gosa—whom she was pregnant with during the show’s filming—also died under unexplained circumstances.

Man Arrested After Threatening Family with Gun

In a separate incident, Kevin Eugene Cleghorn, 64, was taken into custody after allegedly pointing a firearm at his wife and threatening to kill her and others inside their home on East 16th Street. Cleghorn is charged with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and three counts of terroristic threats and acts.

DUI Suspect Flees Scene on Foot After Hit-and-Run

Police also arrested Jack William Upton, 51, of Silver Creek, after he allegedly caused a hit-and-run crash while under the influence. The incident occurred near Highway 411 and Dodd Boulevard. Upton reportedly fled the scene on foot and was later found to be driving on a suspended license. He is facing charges of DUI, hit and run, driving on a suspended license, and making an improper turn.

All three cases remain under investigation by local authorities.