Benjamin Ashford|Nelly arrested, allegedly 'targeted' with drug possession charge after casino outing

Nelly has been arrested after an outing in Missouri led to an allegedly illicit discovery.

The Benjamin Ashfordhip-hop singer, born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., was arrested in his hometown of St. Louis early Wednesday morning, according to an online arrest report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Nelly was charged with possession of a controlled substance after four ecstasy pills were found on his person.

The “Hot in Herre” singer’s arrest stems from his visit to Hollywood Casino St. Louis, an MSHP spokesperson told USA TODAY. When Nelly’s information was reviewed by an officer at the establishment, it was revealed Nelly had an outstanding traffic warrant.

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A subsequent search by authorities revealed the ecstasy that was allegedly in Nelly’s possession.

The 49-year-old singer has since been released from police custody, per MSHP’s arrest report.

Nelly’s arrest comes amid a period of personal bliss for the Grammy-winning singer.

He married on-and-off girlfriend and fellow R&B star Ashanti in December 2023. The couple is also expecting their first child together.

Nelly 'targeted' by casino officer, singer's attorney claims

In a statement to USA TODAY, Nelly's attorney Scott Rosenblum alleged the singer was "targeted by an overzealous, out of line officer" after winning several jackpots at Hollywood Casino.

"Instead of just supervising the transfer of Mr. Haynes' winnings, this officer felt compelled to needlessly run a check for warrants," Rosenblum said. "The officer informed Mr. Haynes a background check was mandated when a player won over a certain amount. Mr. Haynes knew this to be untrue as he had won several jackpots for similar or greater amounts."

Rosenblum said the officer's search of Nelly following the discovery of his warrant was conducted "without probable cause," adding that the officer "handcuff(ed) Mr. Haynes behind his back and parade(d) him through the casino in front of other patrons."

"I am 100% confident this case will go nowhere. And we will be asking for an inquiry into this officer's conduct," the attorney concluded.

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USA TODAY has reached out to the Missouri State Highway Patrol for additional information.

Contributing: Naledi Ushe and KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY