The strange saga of Ronnie Ortiz-Magro and Jen Harley continues.
In another unexpected turn, Ronnie will not be charged with kidnapping, which had been one of the most serious charges against him.
TMZ broke that news late Sunday ... but there's more to it.
But, despite what would appear to be good news for the troubled reality star, that doesn't mean he's off the hook.
In fact, it seems increasingly likely that Rahn will soon be pumping his biceps and doing his laundry behind bars.
(Regrettably, there are no tanning beds in U.S. correctional facilities. Yet. The Situation can attest to this sad fact.)
Anyway, as you've likely heard, Ronnie was tased and arrested by LAPD last week following a stunningly violent altercation that ended with him getting wheeled out on a gurney.
The couple was staying at an Airbnb in Los Angeles; Ronnie and Jen were town to promote Magro's CBD line.
(Which, ironically, doesn't seem to have had much of a soothing effect on the Jersey Shore star ... if he gets high on his own supply, that is.)
The allegations from the incident are beyond horrific.
Harley claims Magro threatened her with a knife, punched her, and dragged her across concrete - all while high on cocaine.
Both parties had been the aggressors in earlier conflicts, and Jen has certainly been no saint herself, but this is different.
All of the deeply upsetting photos of Harley's injuries seemed to leave little doubt that she was the victim this time around.
Needless to say, Ronnie is in deep trouble. But hey, if you're looking for positives, Team Ron, he's already scored a minor legal victory by beating the kidnapping charge.
Of course, that's also because officials feel another, serious charge is more appropriate. TMZ's report reads:
"We're told the LAPD is strongly pushing for Ronnie to be hit with felony domestic violence instead ... based on the evidence and the alleged injuries to Harley."
Long story short, Magro is still facing a slew of other charges, which he plans to fight in court rather than accept a plea deal.
Insiders say he could face up to four years in prison if he goes to trial and loses, so that's a risky play to say the least.
Last week, Harley was granted a restraining order, which prevents Ron from contacting her and severely limits his contact with the couple's 1-year-old daughter, Ariana (above).
The official filing for an emergency protective order against him reads:
"Suspect (Ortiz-Magro) told victim (Harley) he was going to kill her."
"Suspect pushed victim out the house. Suspect ran after victim,"
"Victim knocked on neighbor's door and set baby on ground."
"Suspect grabbed baby and dragged victim to the ground. Suspect punched victim with closed fist on face, causing visible injury."
If that's even remotely true, needless to say it is beyond messed up and Magro needs to face consequences - and get help.
The 33-year-old MTV personality has yet to speak publicly on the matter, but his lawyers have professed his innocence.
Scott E. Leemon, Ortiz-Magro's attorney, sought to put the best possible spin on this last week when he told Us Weekly:
"The reporting of the alleged incident relating to Ronnie Magro yesterday is based upon pure speculation and innuendo,"
"We are currently conducting our own investigation and will have no further comment until that has been concluded."
We'll have further updates on this developing story, which is obviously far from over, as more information becomes available.