Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. aka Nelly, 49, the rapper behind hits like “Country Grammar”, "Pimp Juice", "Ride With Me", and “Hot In Herre,” was arrested early Wednesday in Maryland Heights, MO, for a failure-to-appear 2023 warrant stemming from a no proof of insurance charge in 2018. During the arrest, authorities allegedly found four pills, allegedly identified as ecstasy.

The arrest occurred around 4:45 a.m. after an identification-verification check at the Hollywood Casino in St. Charles, where Nelly frequently visits. According to his attorney, Scott Rosenblum, Nelly had just won several jackpots when the check revealed the warrant. Rosenblum argued that such checks aren’t typically required, noting Nelly had won larger sums without issue a week prior.

Identity checks are occasionally done in accordance with Missouri Gaming Commission regulations, though it was not stated what triggered the check.

Rosenblum stated Nelly was "targeted by an overzealous and out of line officer".

In his statement, the lawyer shared the following:

"After winning several jackpots, at a venue where Mr. Haynes frequently visits and entertains at its amphitheater; instead of just supervising the transfer of Mr. Haynes’ winnings, this officer felt compelled to needlessly run a check for warrants.

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 including one just a week prior without incident or a background check."

Rosenblum also shared that the office felt compelled to handcuff Mr. Haynes behind his back and parade him through the casino in front of other patrons and then conduct a search without probable cause where he claimed to have found alleged 'ecstasy' pills in Mr. Haynes' personal property.

Rosenblum went even further stating:

It is also important to note, that Mr. Haynes, as part of the requirements to travel internationally, is regularly asked to supply proof of no warrants. Including FBI checks. There were none.

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

Nelly was briefly detained at the Maryland Heights Police Department before being released.