Rapper Nelly arrested and charged with drug possession in St. Louis casino

Rapper Nelly was arrested on a previous warrant for failure to have car insurance and charged with drug possession at a casino in St. Louis, Missouri.

The “Ride Wit Me” star was reportedly stopped for an ID check early Wednesday morning (August 7). He was then arrested on a previous warrant filed under his real name, Cornell Haynes II, for not having car insurance.

During a subsequent search of his car, Missouri State Highway Patrol agents allegedly discovered ecstasy pills.

According to police records obtained by The IndependentNelly was charged with drug possession, taken to the Maryland Heights Police Department and eventually released.

In a statement to The Independent, Nelly's lawyer Scott Rosenblum denied the drug charges.

“Mr. Haynes was targeted by an overzealous, non-compliant officer,” Rosenblum said. “After Mr. Haynes won multiple jackpots at a venue that Mr. Haynes frequently visits and performs at the amphitheater, this officer was compelled to unnecessarily conduct a warrant check instead of simply monitoring the transfer of Mr. Haynes' winnings.”

Rosenblum continued, “After informing Mr. Haynes of the warrant for his arrest for violating the prohibition on not having proof of insurance, this officer was compelled to handcuff Mr. Haynes' hands behind his back and lead him through the casino in front of the other patrons.”

The lawyer added: “I am 100 percent confident that this case will go nowhere. And we will request an investigation into the conduct of this officer.”

Nelly was previously arrested in 2017 after a woman alleged that he raped her on his tour bus in a city outside Seattle. He denied the allegation.

The woman later asked police to stop their investigation. Her lawyer said in a statement that the woman “wishes she had not called 911 because she believes the system is failing her” and she “wants this to stop.”

Nelly recently completed a US tour as the main opening act for Janet Jackson’s “Together Again” tour.

He has been a star since 2000, when his debut album Country Grammar spawned huge hits, including the title track and “Ride Wit Me.” His second album, Nellyvilleproduced hit singles such as “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma” together with Kelly Rowland.

His last album was 2021 Heartland.

Earlier this year, the rapper confirmed that he had secretly married fellow singer Ashanti.

The couple confirmed in April this year that they were having a child together, sending fans into nostalgic meltdowns. The two were first linked in the early 2000s when they were two of the biggest stars in entertainment.

They rekindled their romance last year and announced their engagement and pregnancy this year.