Rapper Nelly arrested on drug charges

AP

NASHVILLE (AP) — 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.