Who Was 'Meet The Putmans' Patriarch? Arrested On Gun Charges, Sued County, Died In Tragic Car Crash

Bill William E. Putman II was at the core of the Putman family. He was the central figure of the TLC show, Meet the Putmans, and the series revolved around his larger-than-life father figure, a family man, and a polarising public persona. Over the years, his life became a blend of reality-TV content and real-life legal troubles, and the patriarch of the family faced everything life threw at him head-on. From building a family, to raising them and making them into one of the most famous television families, Bill was truly a spirit. 

However, his journey was not free from several less fortunate events. Bill Putman was once faced with allegations around firearms, was jailed for assault, sued local authorities over his jail treatment, and now, in one of life's cruellest twists, is reported among the family members who died in a devastating car crash. So, as the Putman clan find their footing in this tragic time, let us take a look at his life.

Bill Putman and the rise of Meet the Putmans

Bill Putman became a well-known name in every American household with the TLC reality-TV show, Meet the Putmans. The multi-season series followed a massive, multi-generational family living under one roof in Michigan, a reality that was foreign to the American households of the modern world. The show depicted Bill and his wife, Barb (Neenee), as the anchors of this uncommon domestic experience.

However, over time, Bill Putman and his family created a place for themselves in the hearts and TV schedules of millions of Americans. His persona was that of a patriarch who kept his extended family together, often sharing faith-based values and community efforts as central to their identity. 

Bill Putman was arrested on gun charges

While the family's dynamics usually remained the centre of attention, it was in April 2018 that Bill Putman gained the spotlight for reasons no one could believe. One of the most sensational chapters in his life happened that year with the Putman patriarch being indicted on federal firearms charges: possession of an unregistered AR-15 machine gun, among other allegations, for which he pleaded not guilty.

The dark phase of Bill Putman's life once again highlighted the strength he possessed and the support he had built in his family as they stood by him as his never-ending pillar of strength. Despite a turbulent run, the government later dismissed the case and cleared him of those charges, though it didn't remove the stain of public suspicion.

Bill Putman's assault conviction and jail time

While he was let go in the gun crime, Bill Putman was later convicted on four counts of assault and battery stemming from an altercation with construction workers outside a medical facility. For the unversed, his family was building the facility in Caro, Michigan, when the incident happened. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, along with one year of probation and 200 hours of community service. Bill admitted that he was wrong and expressed remorse during sentencing, saying: 

"I screwed up … I was scared."

Bill Putman's special jail treatment

During his 30-day jail time, Bill Putman was given some special privileges. At one point, due to his health concerns, a family member was allowed to stay in the same cell as him. The special treatment drew scrutiny from people across the country, and later, a judge even questioned whether such leniency undermined the punitive purpose of incarceration. However, the Putman camp asserted that Bill's medical fragility demanded special accommodations.

Bill Putman sued Tuscola County

Bill Putman, while remorseful for his actions, didn't stay quiet after his sentencing. He filed a federal lawsuit against Tuscola County, its sheriff, and other agencies, alleging that during his time in custody, the jail staff withheld prescription heart medications and even water. The Meet the Putmans patriarch even claimed his vocal opposition to a proposed new jail bond had motivated hostile treatment. The lawsuit includes counts of rights violations, alleged medical malpractice, and free speech violations.

Beyond criminal charges and his personal litigation, Bill Putman was trapped in further legal tangles involving civil liability. A judge ruled that Bill and two of his sons could be held liable for assault in a related civil suit, leaving only the question of damages for a jury to decide. On the other hand, the family's relationship with local officials and prosecutors became tense. The Putmans even claimed they received death threats following the trial.

Bill Putman, his wife, Neenee and Megan passed away in the accident

It was on September 27, 2025, when the news spread that the Putman family had been involved in an accident. Later that day, Isabelle revealed that the family's patriarch, Bill Putman, his wife and the matriarch of the family, Neenee and their aunt Megan had passed away in a tragic car accident. She also shared that Uncle Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah, and Gia were also injured and remain hospitalised. The tragedy marked the end of a life that, although filled with drama, was also marked by family values and love. As the Putman family finds their footing in the world without Bill, Neenee and Megan have asked their fans to continue praying for them.

What are your thoughts on the controversial yet familial life of Bill Putman? Let us know.

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