Rapper Nelly arrested in Missouri following casino win: attorney

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. (KTVI) – Acclaimed rapper, actor, and entrepreneur Nelly was arrested early Wednesday morning in Maryland Heights, Missouri, for no proof of car insurance, leading to an alleged drug possession.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's arrest report, the rapper behind smash hits "Country Grammar," "Ride Wit Me" and "Hot In Herre" was taken into custody around 4:45 a.m.

Nelly, aka Cornell I. Haynes Jr., 49, was arrested for a 2018 infraction, which turned into a warrant issued in December 2023, according to his attorney.

Scott Rosenblum, Nelly’s attorney, released a statement later Wednesday evening. Rosenblum said his client was at the casino, where he “frequently visits and entertains at its amphitheater” and won several jackpots.

An officer, who usually supervises the money transfer, also ran a check for warrants, saying that “a background check was mandated when a player won over a certain amount,” according to Rosenblum.

The attorney denies that such checks are mandated, noting that Nelly had won larger amounts of money a week ago with no background checks. A release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol states that the initial patrol contact with Nelly was during an “identification verification in accordance with the Mi...