Nelly Escapes Jail Time After Felony Drug Possession Charge Dropped

Earlier this year, Nelly was arrested in Tennessee for drug possession after police found meth, marijuana and guns on his tour bus. On Friday (Dec. 11), the St. Louis escaped jail time after a judge dropped a felony charge stemming from the April arrest.

According to NewsChannel5, Nelly pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor consumption charge, which his attorney, Scott Rosenblum, explained will be eventually dropped within a year’s time. His most serious charge, a felony drug possession charge, was also dismissed.

“After we investigated the case fully and sent that substance to the Tennessee Crime Lab, it was discovered that it was not methamphetamine, and in fact the maximum charge that Mr. Haynes was guilty of were class A misdemeanors,” said Bryant Dunaway, Putnam County District Attorney.

Nelly left the courtroom with only 11 months and 29 days probation.

“This is exactly what we were hoping for, and I think it was a very fair disposition,” said Rosemblum. “I have no doubt whatsoever that after this year's time, after the diversionary program is completed, there'll be nothing on Mr. Haynes' record.”

Another man, Brian Jones, who was also arrested on the tour bus for gun possession, had his charges dropped as well. The D.A. said the charges against him were dismissed because he didn't have a past criminal history.

In the end, Nelly can move on with his life and put this unfortunate incident behind him.