MTV's 'Teen Mom' faces preliminary battery charges

[November 20, 2010]  ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) -- Indiana police want prosecutors to file charges against the star of the MTV program "Teen Mom."

Anderson Police Detective Jake Brooks says in a probable cause affidavit that 20-year-old Amber Portwood "implicated herself" in slapping, choking, and punching 24-year-old Gary Shirley three times since August 14, 2009. Brooks asked prosecutors to file two felony counts and one misdemeanor count of battery. The alleged felonies occurred in the presence of the child. Leah was one at the time of the first incident.

Portwood's attorney Robert Schembs had no comment Friday. A message was left with the Madison County prosecutor.

An Indiana Department of Child Services spokeswoman says the agency is assessing conditions in Portwood's home. The agency received hundreds of calls after a September episode showed Portwood beating Shirley.

[Associated Press]

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