Rapper Rick Ross was arrested Thursday in Miami Beach and booked into Miami-Dade County custody on charges of battery and battery by strangulation, both designated as domestic-violence-related offenses in jail records.
Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, was booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center shortly after 6 a.m., according to NBC Miami and Miami-Dade jail information reviewed by local news outlets. The case stems from an allegation reported to Miami Beach police involving a woman who had been in a relationship with Ross.
The Associated Press, citing an arrest report and court records, reported that the woman told detectives Ross accused her of cheating during an August incident and struck her multiple times. The AP reported that Ross was released later Thursday after posting bond.
Ross appeared before Miami-Dade Judge Mindy Glazer by video from jail. NBC Miami reported that defense attorney Bradley Horenstein entered a not-guilty plea on Ross' behalf and said the performer had surrendered to address the case. The judge also imposed a stay-away condition concerning the alleged victim, according to court coverage.
The arrest and charges are accusations, not findings of guilt. Prosecutors have not secured a conviction, and the criminal case remains pending in Miami-Dade County.
Ross denied the allegations after his release, telling reporters that he is innocent. His attorney, Bradley Horenstein, also disputed the accusations and urged the public to allow the legal process to play out. Ross has pleaded not guilty, and the case remains pending.
His arraignment is scheduled for October 22.
Sources
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