Nelly - Arrested for gambling with drugs
This is indeed a case of bad luck striking at the best of times: US rapper Nelly (49) was arrested early Wednesday morning in St. Louis, among other charges, for drug possession. This happened immediately after he hit the jackpot at a casino. As reported by NBC News, Nelly was released from Missouri custody shortly after. However, Nelly's lawyer, Scott Rosenblum, doesn't blame his client for the arrest. Instead, he strongly criticizes an "overzealous" police officer.
Global Hit with "Hot in Herre"
Rapper Nelly, born Cornell Haynes II, once ruled the charts. In 2002, the rap superstar scored a hit with "Hot in Herre" that set clubs around the world on fire. Nelly's problem: his recent tracks and albums haven't even come close to the chart success of his smash hit. Nevertheless, the St. Louis native, who grew up in challenging circumstances, should be able to live comfortably from his royalties. However, as his chart success waned, so did Nelly's legal troubles. In 2018, he was caught driving without valid insurance during a traffic stop. The outstanding warrant for this offense was the primary reason for Nelly's recent inspection and arrest, according to the St. Louis Police.
Arrested After Casino Luck
What happened? According to Nelly's lawyer, he was at the Hollywood Casino in St. Louis early Wednesday morning when he was suddenly arrested by a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer. The police claim they found four ecstasy pills on Nelly and charged him with the long-standing offense of driving without insurance, taking him into custody briefly before releasing him.
"Targeted by Overzealous Officer"
However, Nelly's lawyer denies the drug charges and blames the police for the arrest. In a statement, lawyer Rosenblum says Nelly "was targeted by an overzealous, rogue officer." Nelly's inspection was supposedly required after he won a certain amount at the casino. Rosenblum claims Nelly had previously won similar or larger amounts at the same venue without being inspected. Nelly was promptly handcuffed and escorted out in front of other casino patrons. Rosenblum emphasizes that Nelly was not charged with drug possession, but for the old traffic offense. He is confident the case will be dismissed and plans to request an investigation into the arresting officer's conduct.
Despite the drug possession charges, Nelly's lawyer asserted that his client was merely a victim of an overzealous officer. This incident occurred following Nelly's recent win at the casino, leading to his arrest and subsequent brief detention.
