Rick Ross Arrested on Kidnapping, Assault Charges
Rapper Rick Ross and his bodyguard were denied bond by a Fayette County judge following their Wednesday morning arrest on assault and kidnapping charges, officials said.
Fayette County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Allen Stevens said Ross, 39, and bodyguard Nadrian Lateef James, 42, were arrested Wednesday following the investigation into an alleged June 7 assault at Ross’ home,the 235-acre Fayetteville estate formerly owned by boxer Evander Holyfield.
Channel 2 Action News reported that warrants allege Ross and James hit a man with a handgun, knocking out two teeth and causing neck and jaw injuries. What may have led to the alleged attack was unclear, though Channel 2 reported that the alleged victim was believed to be working on Ross’ home.
Rick Ross, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II, was charged with aggravated assault, aggravated battery and kidnapping. James was charged with aggravated battery and kidnapping.
They were apprehended Wednesday “without incident,” Stevens said. The U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force assisted Fayette authorities with the arrest.
Stevens confirmed to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that both men were denied bond Wednesday. Channel 2 reported that they will remain in jail before going in front of a Fayette County Superior Court judge on July 1.
The founder of Maybach Music Group, Ross is perhaps best known for his 2006 single “Hustlin’.” He was raised near Miami but had lived in metro Atlanta for several years before purchasing Holyfield’s former home last year.
Wednesday’s arrest was Ross’ second in Fayette County in two weeks, and at least his fifth run-in with law enforcement.
Fayette County authorities arrested Ross on a misdemeanor marijuana chargeon June 10. He was also arrested on pot charges in Miami in 2008, in Louisiana in 2011 and in North Carolina in 2013.
