Last month, oft-troubled Teen Mom OG star and derelict Ryan Edwards was arrested for theft and heroin possession.
The reality star’s latest arrest (of many) came after he skipped out on a $36 bar tab near his hometown in Tennessee.
(The heroin charge was from an earlier incident, for which police had issued an outstanding warrant.)
Edwards was on probation at the time of the arrest, so it seems unlikely that he’ll be able to avoid jail time for the latest charges against him.
Against all odds, though, Ryan actually received some good legal news this week as one criminal case against him was dropped.
He’s not out of the woods yet, though. From the sounds of this, doesn’t look like he’ll be getting out of the slammer anytime soon.
Here’s the rundown.
Hard Times
Ryan was apprehended in January after drinking six whiskeys and then skipping out on his tab.
A New Start
The arrest comes just two months after Edwards completed 90 days in rehab for his heroin addiction.
Dashed Hopes
It wasn’t Ryan’s first time in treatment, but it was his longest stay — and his family and friends were hopeful that this time, Ryan would finally be able to turn things around.
Renewed Hope
After all, this time Edwards had a lot more to lose.
Moves Like Jagger
During his time in treatment, Ryan missed the birth of baby Jagger, his second child and his first with wife Mackenzie Standifer.
Painful Disappointment
Sadly, the 30-year-old remained sober for less than a week after completing his latest stint in rehab.
Risking It All
And of course, Ryan risked far more than his freedom when he skipped out on that bar tab.
Will She Stick To Her Guns?
Mackenzie has repeatedly threatened to leave him if he relapsed or got arrested again — and now Ryan has done both.
Separation Anxiety
To make matters worse, Edwards will remain behind bars at least until his April 15 court date.
Mackenzie’s Challenge
Standifer has described Ryan’s time in rehab as “the longest 90 days” of her life, and now she’s once again on her own — possibly for a very long time.
Reason to Be Hopeful?
But believe it or not, Ryan actually received some good news this week.
Beating the Charge
According to Radar Online, the theft charge against him has been dropped.
Taking Pity
This may have happened for any number of reasons, but the most likely explanation is that the owner of the bar decided to drop the charges against Ryan after learning of his circumstances.
Now What?
Ryan remains behind bars, however, and he still might wind up doing hard time.
Bad News
The heroin charge was Ryan’s biggest problem from the start, and he won’t find it easy to shake that one.
Mandatory Minimum
Edwards is a repeat offender and mandatory minimum sentencing laws might mean the judge in his case has no choice but to have him locked away for a long time.
A Familiar Face
Of course, Ryan has been arrested for possession or probation violations four times in the past two years, so it’s unlikely that he’ll wind up with a sympathetic judge.
Last Hope
Ryan’s best bet might be to play the remorseful family man card and tell the court that he wants nothing more than to be there for his two sons.
Tough Sell
Unfortunately for Ryan, actions speak louder than words, and he’s proven time and again that his addiction is a more powerful force in his life than his concern for his family.