Rapper Nelly Arrested for Alleged Drug Possession: Attorney Calls It an Overzealous Search
Rapper Nelly, known for his chart-topping hits and multiple Grammy Awards, was arrested early Wednesday at a St. Louis-area casino, sparking controversy and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident. His attorney has strongly contested the arrest, labeling it the result of an “overzealous” officer and predicting that the case will ultimately be dismissed.
The Missouri Highway Patrol reported that Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Haynes II, was arrested around 4:45 a.m. at the Hollywood Casino in Maryland Heights, a suburb of St. Louis. During the arrest, an officer allegedly found four illegal ecstasy pills on the rapper. Nelly, 49, was briefly held and then released by police. His attorney, Scott Rosenblum, quickly responded to the situation, asserting that Nelly was unfairly targeted and subjected to an improper search.
The Incident at the Casino: According to Rosenblum, the incident occurred after Nelly won several casino jackpots and attempted to collect his winnings. The officer supervising the transaction reportedly ran a search for warrants and discovered an outstanding warrant from December 2023 related to a 2018 citation for operating a vehicle without proper proof of insurance. Rosenblum criticized the officer’s decision to handcuff Nelly and “parade him through the casino,” describing it as an unnecessary and humiliating action.
Rosenblum further disputed the discovery of the alleged ecstasy pills, arguing that the officer lacked probable cause to conduct a search. He emphasized that Nelly was unaware of the outstanding warrant and had not been notified about it. Expressing confidence in Nelly’s innocence, Rosenblum stated, “I am 100% confident this case will go nowhere,” and called for an investigation into the officer’s conduct.
Nelly’s arrest comes at a time when the rapper continues to enjoy a successful career. Known for iconic tracks like “Hot in Herre” and “Just A Dream,” Nelly has earned three Grammy Awards and multiple Billboard Music Awards. Recently, he completed a series of performances as a special guest on Janet Jackson’s tour.
Beyond music, Nelly has also made his mark in film and television, with appearances in “The Longest Yard” and a BET reality series featuring his family. In April, Nelly announced his engagement to singer and actor Ashanti, and the couple is expecting a baby.
This is not Nelly’s first encounter with legal troubles. In 2015, he was arrested in Tennessee on felony drug charges but later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and had his record expunged after completing probation. In 2017, Nelly faced accusations of sexual assault, which he denied, and the case was settled out of court in 2018.
As the case unfolds, Nelly’s legal team is poised to challenge the validity of the arrest and the actions of the officer involved. With his attorney predicting the case’s swift dismissal, the spotlight is now on how the legal proceedings will develop and whether Nelly will once again clear his name.
