Rick Ross has caught a major break in his ongoing legal battle in South Florida.
Prosecutors in Miami-Dade County have dropped a felony battery-by-strangulation charge against the 50-year-old rapper, citing insufficient evidence. The decision comes about a month after Ross was arrested following domestic violence allegations involving a woman he had been living with.
But there’s a catch: Ross still faces a misdemeanor domestic violence battery charge.
What Led to the Arrest?
According to Miami Beach police, the allegations stem from an August 28 incident at Ross’s Star Island residence.
The woman told investigators that Ross became upset after seeing a photograph in which she had been tagged on Instagram. She alleged that the rapper accused her of cheating, struck her multiple times, grabbed her by the collar of her hoodie, restricting her breathing, and slammed her against a wall.
The woman reported the alleged incident to police on September 29. Ross voluntarily surrendered to authorities on October 1 and was released on bond later that day.
Prosecutors Drop the Felony
On October 29, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office filed paperwork declining to pursue the felony strangulation charge, citing insufficient evidence.
Ross’s attorney, Bradley Horenstein, welcomed the decision, expressing satisfaction that prosecutors had decided not to move forward with the felony allegation.
Ross has maintained his innocence throughout the case, previously describing the allegations against him as fabricated.
His legal team says he intends to continue fighting the remaining misdemeanor charge.
What’s Next for Rick Ross?
While the dismissal of the felony charge represents a significant legal victory, the case is not completely closed.
Ross still faces one count of misdemeanor domestic violence battery in Miami-Dade County Court. He has pleaded not guilty, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
The rapper, whose career exploded with the 2006 hit “Hustlin’,” remains one of South Florida’s biggest hip-hop success stories. From his chart-topping Port of Miami album to building Maybach Music Group, Ross has established himself as both a music heavyweight and entrepreneur.
For now, the biggest development is that the most serious charge against him has been dropped, but his legal battle continues.
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