Quentin Mitchell|Missouri prosecutor says he won’t charge Nelly after an August drug arrest

2025-05-07 03:27:37source:Benjamin Caldwellcategory:Finance

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Rapper Nelly won’t face drug charges following his arrest this summer at a St. Louis-area casino,Quentin Mitchell a prosecutor said.

“We don’t believe the facts in this case warrant the issuing of charges,” St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell said in a statement Tuesday.

Nelly, 49, whose birth name is Cornell Haynes II, grew up in the area. His lawyer, Scott Rosenblum, has said the search that led to Nelly’s August arrest was unwarranted.

Bell’s office didn’t elaborate on why the decision was made to not file charges. Rosenblum said in an email Wednesday that Bell’s decision followed “a fair and impartial review of the evidence.”

Nelly was arrested at 4:45 a.m. Aug. 7 as he sought to collect several jackpots he won at Hollywood Casino & Hotel in Maryland Heights, Missouri. A trooper assigned to the casino told Nelly that a warrant search is required when a gambler wins more than a certain amount of money. Rosenblum said no such warrant check is required.

The background check showed that a judge issued a warrant in December over a 2018 citation for operating a vehicle without proof of insurance. Because of the outstanding warrant, Nelly was arrested and searched. That’s when the officer allegedly found four ecstasy pills. Police had sought a charge of felony possession of a controlled substance.

Meanwhile, the insurance charge has been resolved. Rosenblum said it was dismissed after Nelly provided proof that he has car insurance.

Nelly, a three-time Grammy Award winner, is known for hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Just A Dream.” He’s had four No. 1 hits and received nine Billboard Music Awards. He also has appeared in several films and TV series.

Nelly won Grammy Awards in 2002 for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Male Solo Rap Performance, and his “Nellyville” was nominated that year for both Best Rap Album and Album of the Year. He also won a Grammy the following year for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group the following year for “Shake Ya Tailfeather.”

___

This story was updated to correct the spelling of “Hot in Herre.”

More:Finance

Recommend

Jury selection set for Monday for ex-politician accused of killing Las Vegas investigative reporter

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jury selection will begin Monday in the trial of a former Las Vegas-area politician

Priceless Ford 1979 Probe I concept car destroyed in fire leaving Pebble Beach Concours

Ford’s 1979 Probe I Ghia concept car, displayed at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance as part

Top Deals from Coach Outlet Labor Day Sale 2024: $24 Wallets, $78 Bags & Up to 76% Off Bestselling Styles

E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Learn more.It’s hard to believe