Nelly arrested In Putnam County - felony drug charges

Authorities said internationally known hip-hop artist “Nelly” has been arrested on felony drug charges.

Officials said the arrest was made Saturday morning in Putnam County.

Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Haynes, has been charged with felony possession of drugs, simple possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The trooper initially stopped a Prevost motor coach bus on Interstate 40 near mile marker 275 around 9:20 a.m. Saturday.

The stop, according to the trooper, was due to the bus’s lack of a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and International Fuel Tax Association (IFTA) sticker. During the stop, the trooper allegedly noticed an odor of marijuana coming from the bus.

During a probable cause search, troopers discovered a plastic bag containing five colored crystal-type rocks, which tested positive for methamphetamine. Officials said they also found a small amount of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia.

After further investigation, troopers stated they found around 100 small bags, commonly used for the sale of narcotics, plus numerous handguns, including a gold-plated 50-caliber Desert Eagle pistol, a 45-caliber Taurus pistol, and a 500 magnum Smith and Wesson.

Out of the six people found on the bus, one was determined to be a convicted felon in possession of a handgun. Authorities said 44-year-old Brian Jones was charged accordingly.

Nelly, age 40, was allegedly traveling to St. Louis when the bus was stopped.

Both Nelly and Jones were taken to the Putnam County Jail, and all weapons and drugs were seized.  Authorities said internationally known hip-hop artist “Nelly” has been arrested on felony drug charges.

Officials said the arrest was made Saturday morning in Putnam County.

Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Haynes, has been charged with felony possession of drugs, simple possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The trooper initially stopped a Prevost motor coach bus on Interstate 40 near mile marker 275 around 9:20 a.m. Saturday.

The stop, according to the trooper, was due to the bus’s lack of a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and International Fuel Tax Association (IFTA) sticker. During the stop, the trooper allegedly noticed an odor of marijuana coming from the bus.

During a probable cause search, troopers discovered a plastic bag containing five colored crystal-type rocks, which tested positive for methamphetamine. Officials said they also found a small amount of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia.

After further investigation, troopers stated they found around 100 small bags, commonly used for the sale of narcotics, plus numerous handguns, including a gold-plated 50-caliber Desert Eagle pistol, a 45-caliber Taurus pistol, and a 500 magnum Smith and Wesson.

Out of the six people found on the bus, one was determined to be a convicted felon in possession of a handgun. Authorities said 44-year-old Brian Jones was charged accordingly.

Nelly, age 40, was allegedly traveling to St. Louis when the bus was stopped.

Both Nelly and Jones were taken to the Putnam County Jail, and all weapons and drugs were seized. WTVF