Rapper Nelly escapes drug charges after being arrested in a casino

Rapper Nelly will avoid drug charges after an arrest at a casino in the St. Louis area of ​​Missouri over the summer, prosecutors said this week.

In a statement Tuesday, St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell said he declined to file drug charges against Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Haynes II.

“We do not believe the facts in this case warrant the filing of charges,” Bell said in the statement.

How Nelly avoided prosecution

Nelly, who grew up in St. Louis, is 49 years old. His attorney, Scott Rosenblum, claims the search that led to the rapper's arrest in August was unwarranted.

Bell's office did not provide further information about the decision to drop the charges. In an email to The Associated Press, Rosenblum said the result came after “a fair and impartial review of the evidence.”

The case against Nelly

Nelly was arrested at 4:45 a.m. local time on August 7th while hitting multiple jackpots at the Hollywood Casino & Hotel in Maryland Heights, Missouri. A state trooper stationed at the casino told the rapper that verification would be required for players who win above a certain threshold.

However, Rosenblum disputes this on the grounds that such a review is not required.

The background check revealed an outstanding warrant was issued in December in connection with a 2018 criminal complaint of driving without proof of insurance. Nelly was then arrested and searched, with the officer reportedly finding four Ecstasy pills. Police then recommended criminal charges for possession of a controlled substance.

The insurance claim has since been resolved, with Rosenblum confirming that it was dismissed after Nelly provided proof of active car insurance.

Who is Nelly?

A three-time Grammy winner, Nelly is best known for top hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Just a Dream.” With four No. 1 singles and nine Billboard Music Awards, he has also appeared in numerous films and television series.

Nelly won a Grammy in 2002 for Best Rap/Singing Collaboration and Best Male Solo Rap Performance for his album Nellyville Received nominations for both Best Rap Album and Album of the Year. In 2003, he won another Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for the hit “Shake Ya Tailfeather.”

Earlier this month, Nelly performed at the conclusion of the 2024 NASCAR season in Phoenix, Arizona.

“We are thrilled to have Nelly help us complete the 2024 NASCAR season in style,” Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey previously said.

This article contains reporting from The Associated Press.