An Indiana man, identified as the stepfather of a former “Teen Mom” cast member, has been taken into custody on child molestation charges, authorities said.
Jody Patterson, 60, was arrested after a now-13-year-old girl said that he sexually abused her for several years, according to WXIN.
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According to police, the investigation began on January 19, when the girl came forward. She informed detectives that the alleged abuse began when she was eight years old and lasted for around four years. The girl said Patterson abused her while babysitting and told her not to tell anyone.
Patterson is the stepfather of Gary Shirley, who starred on MTV’s “Teen Mom” as Amber Portwood’s fiancé. Shirley and Portwood lived in Anderson, Indiana, during filming the first season of the show.
According to WXIN, Patterson has been charged with four counts of child molestation, including two Level 4 felonies and two Level 1 felonies under Indiana law.
Court documents examined by the station also show Patterson previously reached a plea agreement in a child support case involving Shirley.
The case is still under investigation. Court records did not immediately reveal whether Patterson had hired an attorney.
