Rapper Nelly’s Attorney Says Drugs Weren’t His

COOKEVILLE, T.N. (AP) — An attorney for Nelly says the rapper and reality TV star will be exonerated of felony drug charges once the facts are out.

Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Haynes, was arrested 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 says Nelly will “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.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

Rapper and reality TV star Nelly is facing felony drug charges after being arrested in Tennessee on Saturday.

Tennessee Highway Patrol said in a news release that Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Haynes, was pulled over about 9:20 a.m. because the bus he was riding in failed to display a U.S. Department of Transportation and International Fuel Tax Association sticker.

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

When troopers searched the bus, they 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. His attorney, however, said he expects Nelly to be exonerated.

“We are extremely confident that when the facts come out, Nelly will not be associated with the contraband that was allegedly discovered,” attorney Scott Rosenblum said in a written statement via publicist Juliette Harris.

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