US rapper Nelly, known for hits like “Just A Dream” and “Ride Wit Me,” has been accused of possessing illegal drugs during a search that his lawyer describes as the result of an “overzealous” officer’s actions.
According to a Highway Patrol report, the 49-year-old, whose real name is Cornell Haynes Jr., was allegedly found with four ecstasy pills during the search. The incident occurred after Nelly was arrested on an outstanding warrant for no proof of insurance from 2018, a warrant he claims he was never notified about.
Nelly’s lawyer, Scott Rosenblum, argues that the rapper was unfairly targeted when he visited a casino in St. Louis, Missouri, where he frequently collects jackpot winnings.
Rosenblum claims that during the transaction, an officer unnecessarily ran a search for warrants and, upon discovering the old insurance issue, handcuffed Nelly and escorted him through the casino in a manner he described as inappropriate.
Rosenblum contends that this treatment was excessive and not in line with how other citizens would be handled in similar situations.
The Missouri Highway Patrol reported that Nelly was arrested at 4:45 am local time and that the alleged drugs were found during a subsequent search. However, Nelly was released by police in Maryland Heights shortly after.
Rosenblum insists that the officer had no “probable cause” to conduct such a search and is confident that the case will be dismissed. He also announced plans to request an inquiry into the officer’s conduct during the incident.
