Rapper Nelly's lawyer challenges drug charge; accuses officer of misconduct after casino arrest

Nelly’s legal team is speaking out after the rapper’s recent arrest in the St. Louis area, challenging the charges and the conduct of the arresting officer. On Wednesday, Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Haynes Jr., was taken into custody on a warrant for an old traffic violation and for alleged possession of a controlled substance. However, his attorney, Scott Rosenblum, is vigorously disputing the drug charge.

Rosenblum clarified that Nelly was not charged with drug possession, despite what was reported in the online arrest record, according to a statement given to People. "He was arrested for 'No Proof of Insurance' from 2018 on a warrant issued December 2023 that he received no notice," the attorney stated.

Rosenblum further claimed that Nelly was "targeted by an overzealous, out of line officer" after winning several jackpots at a local St. Louis casino, where the rapper is a frequent visitor.

According to Rosenblum, instead of simply overseeing the transfer of Nelly's winnings, the officer insisted on conducting a background check, citing a supposed rule requiring such checks after large casino wins. The attorney stated that Nelly knew this claim was false, as he had previously won larger amounts without incident or background check.

Upon discovering the warrant for the insurance violation, Rosenblum alleged that the officer "unnecessarily handcuffed Nelly and paraded him through the casino in front of other patrons". During the subsequent search, which Rosenblum argues lacked probable cause, the officer claimed to have found ecstasy pills among Nelly’s personal belongings.

The lawyer contended that under similar circumstances, any other individual would have been released with instructions to address the insurance issue.

Confident in Nelly's innocence, Rosenblum expressed certainty that the case would not proceed and called for an inquiry into the officer’s conduct. "I am 100% confident this case will go nowhere," the attorney's statement concluded. "And we will be asking for an inquiry into this officer's conduct."

The Maryland Heights Police Department confirmed Nelly’s arrest around 5 a.m. on Wednesday after he was brought in by the State of Missouri Highway Patrol's Gaming Division at the Hollywood Casino. According to his arrest record, Nelly was initially charged with possession of a controlled substance, specifically four ecstasy pills, and for not having insurance. He was later released.