Rapper Nelly Arrested for Ecstasy Possession and Old Warrant: Attorney Says He Was 'Targeted'

Rapper Nelly, known for hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Just A Dream,” was arrested early Wednesday at a casino in Maryland Heights, Missouri, a St. Louis suburb, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol. The arrest, which was made around 4:45 a.m., came after an officer found four ecstasy pills on him, according to the patrol. However, Nelly’s attorney, Scott Rosenblum, claims the arrest was a result of an “overzealous” officer targeting him and conducting an improper search.

A Warrant for a 2018 Traffic Violation

Rosenblum said Nelly had won several casino jackpots and when he sought to collect them, the officer who would have supervised the transaction “needlessly” ran a search for warrants. Once the officer found the outstanding warrant, he cuffed Nelly’s hands behind his back and “felt compelled” to “parade him through the casino in front of other customers,” Rosenblum said.

The warrant was for a 2018 citation for operating a vehicle without proper proof of insurance, according to online Missouri court records. The warrant was issued in December 2023.

Nelly's Attorney Claims Improper Search

Nelly’s attorney called what the officer found “alleged ‘ecstasy’” and said the officer did not have probable cause to justify searching him. Nelly wasn’t notified of the warrant and did not know about it, Rosenblum said.

“I am 100% confident this case will go nowhere,” Rosenblum said. “And we will be asking for an inquiry into this officer’s conduct.”

Nelly's Success and Recent Engagements

Nelly, a three-time Grammy Award winner, has had four No. 1 hits and received nine Billboard Music Awards. He recently wrapped up a series of performances with Janet Jackson as a special guest on her tour.

He 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.”

Beyond his recording career, Nelly has appeared in a number of films and television series, including the sports film “The Longest Yard” and a BET reality series featuring his family. The artist announced in April he was engaged to singer and actor Ashanti and the pair is expecting a baby.

A History of Legal Issues

Nelly has faced several legal issues in the past, including drug charges and a sexual assault allegation.

In April 2015, Nelly was arrested and faced felony drug charges in Tennessee after a bus he was traveling in was pulled over east of Nashville by the Tennessee Highway Patrol. He later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge and was able to have his record expunged after less than a year of probation.

Nelly was also arrested in October 2017 in Auburn, Washington, south of Seattle, after a woman alleged he had sexually assaulted her on his tour bus. Rosenblum said then that the allegations were fabricated. The woman sued Nelly, who countersued, and they settled their legal claims in September 2018.

Nelly’s arrest comes at a time when he is enjoying success both musically and personally. The rapper is currently engaged to singer Ashanti and the couple is expecting a baby. It remains to be seen how this latest legal issue will affect his career.

Looking Ahead

The Missouri Highway Patrol’s report provided no details about the arrest, and Maryland Heights police did not respond to a call Wednesday seeking comment. Rosenblum said that in similar circumstances, “any other citizen would have been told to address it and allowed to go on their way.”

It is important to note that Nelly has not been convicted of any crime and is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The case is currently under investigation and it remains to be seen what charges, if any, will be filed against him. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.