Miami Prosecutors Drop Felony Battery Charge Against Rick Ross
The rapper faces a single misdemeanor count after the state cited insufficient evidence during a hearing on October 30.
By Alina Carter ·
Miami prosecutors eliminated the felony battery and strangulation charge against rapper Rick Ross on October 30. The decision leaves him facing one misdemeanor count in the domestic violence case. State officials announced the reduction during the artist's second arraignment hearing.
The felony charge was the higher of two counts filed against Ross in early October. Prosecutors determined they lacked sufficient evidence to proceed with the top offense. The remaining misdemeanor charge continues to be part of the case.
The incident allegedly occurred on August 28 at Ross's residence on Star Island. His ex-girlfriend, Jazzma Kendrick, told police that Ross woke up angry because she was tagged in an Instagram photo. She claimed he slapped her in the face during the dispute.
Kendrick further stated that Ross accused her of cheating and struck her multiple times. The police report notes he grabbed her ponytail and threw her into a wall. She also said Ross choked her by grabbing the collar of her hoodie and twisting it until she could not breathe.
Miami Beach Police spokesman Christopher Bess said investigators collected a victim statement, photographs of injuries, and surveillance video. Bess stated that the evidence established probable cause for the arrest. He described the collected materials as painting a picture of a violent attack.
Ross turned himself in on October 1 and pleaded not guilty to both original charges. He spent a few hours in jail before being released on bail. At the time, Ross maintained his innocence and called the allegations fabricated.
His attorney told local network WSVN that he was thrilled the felony charge was dropped. The lawyer noted that a felony charge is very serious. The initial arraignment had been reset because prosecutors said they needed more time to file the charges.
