Rapper Nelly accuses casino of ‘targeted’ search amid ecstasy possession arrest

Nelly was taken into custody at a St. Louis-area casino on Wednesday morning, as confirmed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol to The Post.

The 49-year-old rapper was arrested for possessing four ecstasy pills and for lacking car insurance.

A highway patrol spokesperson informed us that Nelly was arrested inside the Hollywood Casino in St. Charles, Missouri, at 4:45 a.m. following an identification check on the three-time Grammy winner. 

This procedure is sometimes conducted in Missouri casinos as per the state’s gaming commission regulations.

The highway patrol discovered an outstanding warrant for a previous incident involving lack of insurance. 

During their search of Nelly — whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. — they found ecstasy pills in his possession.

They noted that various factors can initiate a verification check, but they don't believe it was due to criminal activity by Nelly.

He was processed at the Maryland Heights Police Department and subsequently released.

The Post can confirm that Nelly has not been charged yet, but he will likely face potential charges once the police submit the paperwork. The decision to press charges will be in the hands of the prosecutors.

The rapper, famous for early-2000s hits like “Hot in Herre,” “Ride Wit Me,” “Pimp Juice” and “Country Grammar,” seemed to smirk in his mugshot while dressed in a black hoodie over a white shirt and a diamond chain.

Nelly's attorney, Scott Rosenblum, informed The Post that Nelly was “targeted by an overzealous, out of line officer.”

In the statement, the lawyer explained, “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 added.

He alleged that the officer “felt compelled to handcuff Mr. Haynes behind his back and parade him through the casino in front of other patrons” and then “conducted a search without probable cause where he claimed to have found alleged ‘ecstasy’ in Mr. Haynes’ personal property.”

Nelly’s attorney defended him by 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.”

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