CLAYTON, Mo.—Rapper Cornell Haynes II, also known as Nelly, has not been charged after allegedly having a controlled substance when he was visiting a casino in St. Louis back in August.
According to his attorney, Scott Rosenblum, an “overzealous” officer targeted him and conducted an 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.
In an email from the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office on Tuesday, Nov. 12, officials said no charges were going to be issued against the artist, citing Wesley Bell as one of the sources of the claim.
"We don't believe the facts in this case warrant the issuing of charges," according to a spokesperson for the department.
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 recently wrapped up a series of performances with Janet Jackson as a special guest on her tour.
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.
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.