Rapper Rick Ross Arrested in Miami Beach on Domestic Violence Charges

Rapper Rick Ross, legally known as William Leonard Roberts, was taken into custody by Miami Beach police early Thursday morning on charges related to domestic violence. According to court and jail records, the 50-year-old musician was arrested on a felony count of battery by strangulation and a misdemeanor count of battery.

Ross was processed and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 6:10 a.m. His legal team, led by attorney Bradley Horenstein, has firmly denied the accusations. Horenstein stated that the claims are false and asked the public to withhold judgment until the legal proceedings conclude.

“All I can say is that the allegations are false. He’s innocent. Everything is going to come out,” Horenstein told CBS News Miami. “We just ask that you allow the process to play out before rushing to judgment, because the truth will come in.”

During a bond hearing held via Zoom on Thursday, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer reviewed the arrest documentation and determined that probable cause existed for the charges. The judge noted that the alleged incident took place on August 28 and characterized the police involvement as a delayed report.

While Horenstein highlighted Ross’s celebrity status in a request for expedited release, the judge set bond at $4,000 for the felony strangulation charge and $1,000 for the misdemeanor battery, totaling $5,000. Additionally, Glazer issued a stay-away order prohibiting Ross from any contact with the alleged victim, identified only by her initials in court documents. The order bars direct or indirect communication through third parties, social media, or other electronic means, and restricts Ross from going near the victim’s home, workplace, or school.

The judge also mandated that Ross surrender any firearms or concealed weapons, prohibited him from possessing firearms while the case is pending, and ordered him to refrain from criminal activity or illegal drug use. Ross’s arraignment is scheduled for October 22.

The arrest follows recent public allegations from Ross’s ex-partner, Jazzma Kendrick, who accused him of physical abuse on social media. According to People.com, Kendrick claimed Ross injured her lip during an incident that occurred approximately a month prior. Ross had not yet issued a public response to those specific claims at the time of his arrest.

Ross, a Miami native best known for his hit single “Hustlin’,” has maintained a significant presence in the hip-hop industry for over twenty years.