Love During Lockup: Jessika & Dustin: Collateral Damage of Addiction

Jessika had high hopes for her relationship with Dustin Phillips early this year. Their love story played out on season two of Love During Lockup. Viewers saw how Jessika and Dustin met at the prison where she worked as the prison nurse. Something about Dustin made Jessika fall in love with him to the point she thought he was “the one.”

Viewers learned that Jessika had quit her job at the prison. She was moving to Tennessee to live with Dustin. Jessika was also leaving her daughter behind in Florida with her father. Then there was the massive tattoo with Dustin’s name across her stomach. Fans questioned her judgment.

Looking at Dustin’s rap sheet and history of bad judgment- it is only natural that the fans shouted “No!” at their screens when, on the season finale, Jessika said goodbye to her daughter and moved to Tennessee. Dustin was previously arrested in the past for attacking his pregnant girlfriend. But Jessika – like many others who love an addict – hoped to “save” Dustin from the demons of his addictions with her love.

Filming for Love During Lockup wrapped up and right before Christmas – Jessika received her ultimate gift. Dustin was finally released from prison. They were finally united. Things seemed happy at first. Jessika and Dustin celebrated Christmas with their daughters. At beginning of January, Jessika bought a house. Jessika and Dustin even got new tattoos. While Jessika thought she was laying a foundation of love and support for their relationship, Dustin was tempted by the evilness of his addiction.

Dustin’s family openly discussed his addiction with Jessika on Love During Lockup. They even questioned whether she would be able to handle a relapse if one was to occur. With Jessika giving up so much for Dustin, one would only hope he could resist the temptation of his addiction.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. On February 8, 2023, it came all crashing down for Jessika, and it has been a living nightmare ever since. According to a close source to Jessika, it was just another work day when she came home to the hell in her bed that she purchased in the home she had bought for her and Dustin to live happily ever after.

Jessika came home from work on February 8, 2023, and her life has been upside down ever since. According to a close source to Jessika, she discovered Dustin in bed with another woman. He physically attacked her and then tried to steal her car. This led to the charges of reckless endangerment, theft of property, felony evading, domestic assault, and reckless driving. Not only was Dustin cheating on her, but he had also relapsed. Here was Jessika’s worst nightmare – the drugs had taken over again.

Sources close to Jessika reveal this has been a living nightmare for her since she discovered Dustin’s relapse. She is devastated by his betrayal. According to the source, she is even more devastated that Dustin relapsed. Jessika realizes that she put a lot at stake in this relationship. She is in a “state of healing” and is concerned for her safety. The source exclusively reveals to WOTSR that Dustin has been arrested and bonded out at least two more times In Tennessee since his initial arrest for the attack on Jessika. Dustin also is a suspect in a carjacking.

Sources who spoke exclusively to WOTSR say Jessika is working on self-healing and surrounding herself with family. Jessika realizes choices in her relationship with Dustin were not the best – sources reveal to WOTSR – but Jessika is seeking support to prevent the same mistakes again.

If you love someone who is addicted to drugs, there is support for YOU. Behaviors need to be changed to truly help the addict you love – no matter how hard it may be. Nar-Anon is a 12-step program for the family and friends of addicts. There are resources, meetings, and online groups. Check it out at nar-anon.org.