On Saturday, April 11, famous rapper Nelly whose real name is Cornell Haynes was arrested on felony drug charges in Tennessee.
According to news reports at ABC News and Fox News, 40-year-old Nelly was riding in a coach bus that lacked the required U.S. Department of Transportation and International Fuel Tax Association sticker. The bus was pulled over by Tennessee Highway Patrol at approximately 9:20 in the morning. Nelly was arrested when a state trooper allegedly noticed the odor of marijuana after pulling the coach bus over.
Scott Rosenblum, Nelly’s attorney, said in a statement to ABC News that his client was one of several individuals who was on the tour bus and searched. He went on to say that during the search, troopers found a small amount of ecstasy or MDMA. Rosenblum said that he is confident Nelly will not be connected with the contraband that was allegedly discovered on the tour bus when the facts of the case are revealed.
While there were reportedly six individuals on the bus, two were arrested – Nelly, and 44-year-old Brian Jones. Nelly was charged with simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and felony possession of drugs after troopers claim to have found methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and several handguns.
An article at Fox News stated that Nelly was released from Putnam County Jail on a $10,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 19.
In the state of Tennessee, a first-time methamphetamine possession charge is considered a misdemeanor, and will leave the offender facing fines of up to $2,500 along with a maximum of one year in jail.
The punishment for drug crimes vary from state to state; for instance in Michigan, meth possession is a felony offense regardless of the amount involved. Those found guilty of meth possession, even first-time offenders, will face fines of up to $15,000 and up to 10 years in prison.
Anyone under investigation for or charged with a drug offense must take action immediately to protect your freedom, legal rights, and future. Whether you have been charged with marijuana possession or something more serious, consult with an experienced Michigan drug crimes attorney right away.