A Tennessee state trooper arrested internationally hip-hop artist
“Nelly” on felony drug charges in Putnam County on Saturday morning.
Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Haynes, was charged with felony
possession of drugs, simple possession of marijuana and possession of
drug paraphernalia.
The investigating trooper planned to conduct an inspection on the bus
when he noticed an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle.
Trooper Loftis, assisted by THP Sgt. Donald Jennings, then conducted a
probable cause search of the bus. The troopers discovered in the
sleeper area a plastic bag that contained five colored crystal-type
rocks that tested positive for methamphetamine, as well as a small
amount of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia. Further investigation
revealed approximately 100 small Ziploc bags that are commonly
associated with the sale of narcotics and numerous handguns, including a
gold-plated 50-caliber Desert Eagle pistol, a 45-caliber Tarus pistol,
and a 500 magnum Smith and Wesson.
The bus was occupied by six subjects, one of whom was identified as
Brian Jones, 44, of St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Jones, a convicted felon,
was also in possession of a handgun and was charged accordingly.
Nelly, 40, also of St. Louis, Missouri and Jones, who were traveling
to St. Louis when the traffic stop occurred, were transported to the
Putnam County Jail.
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