Rapper and singer Nelly was arrested in the St. Louis area in the early morning hours of August 7 after he failed to appear in court on previous charges. According to People, Nelly's initial arrest was on charges that involved drug possession of a controlled substance and driving without insurance, though his lawyer is now saying there's another side to the story.
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Nelly's arrest took place at 4:45 a.m. Wednesday.
As People reported, an online record from the Missouri State Highway Patrol shows that Nelly was arrested by the Maryland Heights Police Department on charges of possessing four ecstasy pills and on a charge of no insurance. His lawyer, Scott Rosenblum, however, said Nelly was "not charged with drug possession."
Nelly's lawyer believes that 'any other citizen' would have been let off with a warning.
Instead, Rosenblum claimed that the arresting officer conducted a "search without probable cause," calling him "overzealous," and Rosenblum plans to request an inquiry.
Variety reported that Nelly was leaving the Hollywood Casino in Maryland Heights at the time of his arrest. When he was stopped for ID verification, he was arrested due to a previous warrant.
Nelly's car was searched.
That's when officers allegedly discovered the four ecstasy pills he's being accused of possessing, leading to his arrest and transport to the police department. He has since been released from custody.
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Nelly's lawyer maintains that he was 'targeted.'
"After winning several jackpots, at a venue where Mr. Haynes frequently visits and entertains at its amphitheater; instead of just supervising the transfer of Mr. Haynes’ winnings, this officer felt compelled to needlessly run a check for warrants,” Rosenblum shared in a statement to Page Six.
"I am 100 percent confident this case will go nowhere. And we will be asking for an inquiry into this officer’s conduct," he added.
It's been a big year for Nelly.
Ahead of his arrest, Nelly had a lot of exciting news to celebrate. Not only did he and Ashanti secretly tie the knot in December 2023, but the couple also announced they were expecting their first baby together.
So far, neither of them has commented on the arrest.
