ST. LOUIS — Rap artist Nelly will not face drug-related charges following his apprehension earlier this summer at a casino in the St. Louis region, according to a statement from a local prosecutor.
“After assessing the details of the case, we do not find sufficient evidence to justify bringing charges,” St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell announced on Tuesday.
Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Haynes II and who is 49 years old, has local ties to the area. His attorney, Scott Rosenblum, has expressed that the police search prior to Nelly’s arrest in August was unwarranted.
The prosecutor’s office did not provide specific reasons for their decision not to file charges. In a response communicated via email on Wednesday, Rosenblum indicated that Bell’s choice was made following “a fair and impartial evaluation of the evidence.”
Nelly’s arrest occurred around 4:45 a.m. on August 7 while he was claiming several jackpots at the Hollywood Casino & Hotel located in Maryland Heights, Missouri. According to Rosenblum, a casino trooper informed Nelly that a warrant search is mandated when someone wins above a certain threshold. Rosenblum contested that no such search is necessary.
A background check revealed that a judge had issued a warrant back in December concerning a 2018 citation for driving without insurance. This outstanding warrant prompted Nelly’s arrest and subsequent search, during which officers allegedly discovered four ecstasy pills. Law enforcement had intended to charge him with felony possession of a controlled substance.
In a related note, the vehicle insurance issue has since been settled. Rosenblum stated that the charge was dismissed after Nelly provided evidence confirming he has car insurance.
Nelly is celebrated for his contributions to music, having won three Grammy Awards and known for chart-topping hits such as “Hot in Here” and “Just A Dream.” He boasts four No. 1 singles and has been honored with nine Billboard Music Awards. Additionally, Nelly has made appearances in numerous movies and television series.
He secured Grammy Awards in 2002 for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Male Solo Rap Performance, and his album “Nellyville” was nominated for both Best Rap Album and Album of the Year that same year. The following year, he claimed another Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for the song “Shake Ya Tailfeather.”
