Rapper Nelly will be exonerated of drug charges when facts emerge – lawyer

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/apr/12/rapper-nelly-exonerated-drug-charges

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An attorney for Nelly said the rapper and reality TV star would be exonerated of felony drug charges once the facts were out. Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Haynes, was arrested on Saturday after a bus he was traveling in was pulled over by the Tennessee highway patrol.

According to their statement, troopers found five rocks that tested positive for meth, as well as a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Troopers also say they found numerous handguns.

The St Louis native is facing charges including felony possession of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. But attorney Scott Rosenblum said Nelly would “not be associated with the contraband” once the facts of the case come to light.

Nelly, 40, was released from Putnam County Jail on a $10,000 bond. His next court date is 19 June.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol said in a news release that Nelly was pulled over about 9.20am on Saturday because the bus he was riding in failed to display a US Department of Transportation and International Fuel Tax Association sticker.

According to the statement, troopers smelled marijuana when they reached the bus. Troopers then searched the bus.

In a written statement, Rosenblum said: “We are extremely confident that when the facts come out, Nelly will not be associated with the contraband that was allegedly discovered.”