Rapper Nelly Arrested For Ecstasy Possession And Lack Of Insurance; His Lawyer Denies Drug Allegations

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As a die-hard fan of Nelly, I find myself constantly torn between admiration and concern for his rollercoaster life journey. On one hand, I can’t help but be captivated by his incredible talent and contributions to the music industry – from “Country Grammar” to “Hot in Herre,” he has left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture. Yet, on the other hand, it seems like his life is shrouded in a series of legal troubles that have become as iconic as his hits.

Based on reports from state patrol records acquired by NBC News, the rapper known as Nelly (age 49, whose real name is Cornell Haynes II), was apprehended in St. Louis, Missouri at approximately 5 a.m. on August 7th. He was charged with possessing four ecstasy pills, which is a controlled substance, and for driving without insurance.

According to reports, the state troopers handed him over to the Maryland Heights Police Department, who subsequently arrested him due to a missed court date related to an old traffic violation in a St. Louis suburb. The artist known for “Hot in Herre” was later freed by the MHPD, as indicated in his arrest records.

Scott Rosenblum, who has been representing Nelly for a long time, swiftly responded to the accusations against him, stating that Nelly was not charged with drug possession. Instead, he was taken into custody due to an expired auto insurance issue dating back to 2018. This arrest warrant, issued in December 2023, came without prior notification for Rosenblum.

According to NBC News, the lawyer stated that Nelly was unfairly targeted by an overenthusiastic officer who demanded a background check after Nelly won a significant amount at the casino where he was apprehended. However, Rosenblum clarified that no background check had been carried out earlier when Nelly made similar or larger winnings from the same establishment.

He added that the officer who cuffed Nelly paraded him through the casino and conducted a search without probable cause, following which he claimed to have found ecstasy in his items. “We will be asking for an inquiry into this officer’s conduct,” Rosenblum said.

According to a People report, this wasn’t the musician’s first brush with law and order.

Back in October 2017, Monique Greene accused rapper Nelly of sexually assaulting her on his tour bus in Washington. However, by September 2019, the charges against him were dropped because Greene decided not to testify. According to a news outlet, Nelly has consistently maintained that whatever transpired between them was consensual.

In 2015, Tennessee state troopers apprehended Nelly for multiple drug-related offenses, which included felony possession of illegal substances.

Law enforcement officers allegedly discovered a plastic bag containing five colorful stones resembling crystals, which tested positive for methamphetamine; a modest amount of marijuana; around 100 small zippered bags; and several handguns, including a gold-plated .50 caliber Desert Eagle pistol. At the time, Nelly was among 15 to 20 individuals who had access to the bus while it was on the road, as stated by Scott Rosenblum, Nelly’s defense attorney.

The rapper faced felony charges for possessing illicit drugs, having small amounts of marijuana, and owning drug-related items. He admitted guilt to misdemeanor marijuana possession and ownership of drug paraphernalia, according to People. Later, the charges against him were dropped following his successful completion of a diversion program.

Meanwhile, here’s some exciting updates: Nelly, the well-known artist, is now preparing for parenthood alongside his wife Ashanti, who they tied the knot in December 2023. Ashanti, a talented singer like her husband, shared this joyous news during an interview with Essence in April 2024, expressing her long-held anticipation towards becoming a mother.

If you’re aware that someone is dealing with issues related to substance misuse or sexual assault, consider reporting it to the relevant authorities for assistance. Many hotlines exist to offer help in such situations.

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2024-08-08 08:23