American rapper Rick Ross has been arrested in Miami Beach, Florida, after an ex girlfriend accused him of physically assaulting and strangling her during an alleged domestic violence incident.
Ross, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II, was arrested on Thursday, October 1, and faces one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor count of battery, both classified as domestic violence related.
According to the arrest affidavit, the alleged incident occurred on August 28 at Ross’s Star Island residence. The woman told investigators that Ross allegedly slapped her, struck her in the chest, restricted her breathing and slammed her against a wall before hitting her in the face, leaving her with a busted lip.
Police said the woman later provided a sworn statement and timestamped photographs of her injuries. Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from the residence as part of the investigation.
The arrest came days after Ross’s former girlfriend, identified in reports as Jazzma Kendrick, publicly accused him of physical abuse on social media.
Ross appeared via Zoom before Miami Dade Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer during a bond hearing. The judge said she had reviewed the arrest report and found probable cause in the case.
Ross’s attorney, Bradley Horenstein, denied the allegations and urged the public not to rush to judgment.
“All I can say is that the allegations are false. He’s innocent. Everything is going to come out,” Horenstein told CBS News Miami.
The judge set Ross’s bond at $4,000 for the felony strangulation charge and $1,000 for the misdemeanor battery charge, bringing the total to $5,000. Ross later bonded out of jail.
The court also issued a stay away order barring Ross from having direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim, including through third parties, social media or other electronic means. He was further ordered to stay away from her home, workplace and school.
Ross was also ordered to surrender firearms and concealed weapons and prohibited from possessing firearms while the case is pending. His arraignment is scheduled for October 22.
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