William Leonard Roberts II, widely known as the rapper Rick Ross, made his court appearance on Thursday following his arrest on two counts related to domestic violence. The “Hustlin'” hitmaker voluntarily surrendered to Miami Beach police early Thursday morning and was subsequently booked into jail.
Authorities charged the musician with felony battery by strangulation and a separate misdemeanor battery offense, according to the Miami Beach Police Department.
During the hearing, Ross’s legal representative, Bradley Horenstein, entered a not guilty plea on his client’s behalf. The presiding judge issued a protective order mandating that Ross remain away from the accuser, whose identity has not been disclosed to the public. Additionally, the judge set bond at $5,000.
The charges originate from an incident reported to law enforcement on September 29, though the alleged assault took place on August 28 at a residence located on Star Island, a wealthy enclave within Miami Beach. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by ABC News, the woman alleges she and Ross had been in a cohabiting relationship for approximately one year prior to the event.
In her statement to police, the accuser claimed that Ross hit her several times during an argument and grabbed the collar of her hoodie to constrict her breathing. She reportedly provided photographic evidence of her injuries to support the allegations. The affidavit notes that Ross allegedly accused the woman of lying to him leading up to the altercation.
ABC News has contacted Horenstein for further comment regarding the case. Ross, who rose to prominence with his 2006 debut album “Port of Miami,” has since founded Maybach Music Group and earned nine Grammy Award nominations throughout his career.
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