Free Ronnie: Jersey Shore Star Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charges, Faces 5 Years in Prison

Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, one of the lead “gorillas” on MTV’s Jersey Shore, pleaded not guilty to an aggravated assault charge in New Jersey, according to the Associated Press. If found guilty, Ortiz-Magro could face up to 5 years in prison.

The charges relate to an incident shown on the series, where Ortiz-Magro punched another man outside a Jersey nightclub, knocking him unconscious. His alleged victim, Stephen Izzo, has also apparently filed a lawsuit and is seeking damages.

The muscle-bound hothead didn’t do himself any favors in the latest episode, where he appeared verbally abusive and potentially destructive to girlfriend Sammi, though at least one online publication is reporting that the “secret ingredient” to that particular relationship may be what happens when the cameras are turned off and the couple takes a particularly er aggressive approach to getting back together.

The idea that Sammi likes Ronnie's rough behavior might sound like an excuse for inexcusable abusive behavior, were it not for her behavior in a recent episode, where she punched him in the face.

While Ronnie’s aggressive behavior may turn on his girlfriend, bragging on camera about how he was able to knock out Izzo with “one shot” is just plain stupid, and it’s becoming clear how his actions could potentially have serious implications.

Besides facing the very real threat of prison time, where his tan Jersey pretty boy act may not get him the reaction he desires, Ortiz-Magro will most likely be unable to join the cast in an upcoming season in Italy due to his legal battles.

Will Ronnie end up behind bars, getting the "Snookie treatment" from a guy named Bubba, or will he skate by on this one? Should Sammi be worried about his increasingly aggressive behavior, or is it all an act for the cameras? If a Guidette poops in the woods, does it make a sound?