Rapper Nelly was arrested early Wednesday at a St. Louis-area casino after the Missouri Highway Patrol discovered four illegal ecstasy pills on his person. His attorney claimed the rapper was targeted by an “overzealous” officer who conducted an improper search. The arrest took place around 4:45 a.m., with Nelly, 49, being detained briefly and then released by police in Maryland Heights, Missouri, as stated in a brief online report by the patrol. Maryland Heights, a St. Louis suburb, houses the Hollywood Casino and Hotel, a place Nelly frequently visits, according to his attorney, Scott Rosenblum.
Court records reveal that Nelly, born Cornell Haynes II, was cited in June 2018 in Maryland Heights for operating a vehicle without proper insurance. An outstanding warrant for this citation was issued by a judge in December 2023. Rosenblum explained that Nelly, having won several casino jackpots, was subjected to a background check by an officer supervising the transaction. Upon discovering the warrant, the officer handcuffed Nelly and “paraded him through the casino in front of other customers,” calling the search unnecessary.
Rosenblum disputed the legitimacy of the “alleged ‘ecstasy'” pills found on Nelly and asserted that the officer lacked probable cause for the search. He further stated that Nelly was unaware of the outstanding warrant. “I am 100% confident this case will go nowhere,” Rosenblum declared. “And we will be asking for an inquiry into this officer’s conduct.”
The Highway Patrol’s report lacked further details on the arrest, and attempts to reach Maryland Heights police for comment went unanswered. Rosenblum emphasized that under similar circumstances, “any other citizen would have been told to address it and allowed to go on their way.”
Nelly, a three-time Grammy Award winner, is renowned for hits such as “Hot in Herre” and “Just A Dream.” He has achieved four No. 1 hits and garnered nine Billboard Music Awards. Recently, he concluded a series of performances as a special guest on Janet Jackson’s tour. In 2002, he won Grammy Awards for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Male Solo Rap Performance, with his album “Nellyville” receiving nominations for both Best Rap Album and Album of the Year. He secured another Grammy in 2003 for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Shake Ya Tailfeather.”
Beyond his music career, Nelly has made appearances in films and TV series, including “The Longest Yard” and a BET reality show featuring his family. In April, he announced his engagement to singer and actor Ashanti, with the couple expecting a baby.
In April 2015, Nelly faced felony drug charges in Tennessee after the Tennessee Highway Patrol pulled over his bus east of Nashville. He later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge and had his record expunged after less than a year of probation. Additionally, in October 2017, Nelly was arrested in Auburn, Washington, following allegations of sexual assault on his tour bus. These charges were settled in September 2018 after legal claims from both parties were resolved.
