Rick Ross Felony Strangulation Count Dropped; Battery Case Continues

Caption: Rapper Rick Ross appears on The 85 South Comedy Show in December 2021. Credit: The 85 South Comedy Show / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Miami-Dade prosecutors declined to pursue a felony battery-by-strangulation charge against Rick Ross, citing insufficient evidence, but filed a misdemeanor domestic-violence battery count as the case moves forward.

The charging decision appeared in paperwork filed October 29 and was discussed at a court appearance the following day. Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, has pleaded not guilty and denies the allegations.

His attorney, Bradley Horenstein, welcomed the decision on the felony while saying the defense would continue to contest the remaining case. “He’s very happy that the State Attorney’s Office chose not to file the felony charge,” Horenstein told CBS Miami.

The revised case will proceed in Miami-Dade County Court. CBS reported that it was still working to confirm Ross’ next court date.

Alleged August Incident Was Reported in September

The investigation concerns an alleged August 28 incident at Ross’ Star Island residence. A woman who had been living with him reported the encounter to Miami Beach police September 29.

According to the arrest report described by CBS, she said Ross became upset over an Instagram photograph in which she was tagged. She accused him of slapping and striking her and restricting her breathing by grabbing the collar of her hoodie.

Investigators said the woman provided photographs of her injuries and a sworn statement. Police also reviewed surveillance footage from the property.

Ross surrendered to Miami Beach detectives October 1 and was initially booked on felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery charges. He was released on bail several hours later, AP reported.

Prosecutors File a Different Misdemeanor Count

CBS reported that prosecutors declined to file both charges listed in the original arrest case, instead proceeding with one count of misdemeanor domestic-violence battery. The remaining count is a first-degree misdemeanor.

The reason given for not pursuing the strangulation count was insufficient evidence. Prosecutors’ decision narrowed the criminal case but did not resolve the separate battery allegation.

Horenstein challenged the evidence concerning the woman’s neck, telling CBS that the photographs did not show evidence of strangulation or asphyxia. That is the defense’s interpretation of the materials, not a court finding about what occurred.

Ross has called the allegations fabricated. His attorney asked the public to wait for the court process before reaching a judgment.

South Florida Career Continues Alongside the Case

Ross, 50, rose to prominence with “Hustlin’” in 2006. The single went double platinum and helped secure a deal with Def Jam Records, then led by Jay-Z, according to AP’s career account.

His debut album, “Port of Miami,” entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1, followed by chart-topping releases including “Trilla” and “Deeper Than Rap.” He founded Maybach Music Group in 2008, helping develop artists including Wale and Meek Mill. His latest album, “Set In Stone,” was released in July.

The immediate legal issue remains the new misdemeanor count. “We’re going to ask that you just wait for it all to play out in court,” Horenstein told CBS, “and the truth will all come out.”

References: Prosecutors drop felony charge against rapper Rick Ross in domestic violence case