Rick Ross Appears in Court for Kidnapping and Assault Case
Rick Ross appeared in a Fayette County, Ga. court on Friday (March 24) for the latest hearing in his kidnapping and assault case. Ross and his legal team have been seeking immunity from prosecution since 2016 and finally got their hearing in front of Judge Fletcher Sams, according to WSB TV in Atlanta.
The Miami rapper testified in court on Friday and maintained that he acted in self-defense when he attacked a groundskeeper on his property. The Rather You Than Me MC wants the case thrown out of court. Prosecutors see it differently as they charged Ross and his manager Nadrian James with aggravated assault, aggravated battery and kidnapping.
Leo Caceres and Jonathan Zamudio, the alleged victims, were throwing a small party in Ross’ guesthouse at his Atlanta area mansion. The two claim they were pistol-whipped despite having Ross’ permission to be there.
“They basically lived at the guesthouse full-time,” the prosecutor said.
The prosecutor said Ross gave his groundskeepers permission to have family over for a birthday celebration. The lawyer also painted a scene of the incident, which included Ross running after a woman and her daughter who got out of the guesthouse.
“They exit the guesthouse and the defendant, William Roberts, was waving a gun at her as she was seated in the car with her child,” the prosecutor said.
The defense presented a completely different scenario. Ross’ attorney Steve Sadow said the groundskeepers did not have permission to be there. He also argued that Ross was caught by surprise and responded as if they were an intruder in his home.
“He enters the guesthouse, which is his property,” Sadow said. “It’s pitch black at this point. He calls out and no one responds. Mr. Ross is feeling his way against the wall and he reaches here and somebody touches him. He immediately reacts by reaching out and hitting him. (At that point) he orders everybody outside the house, says you can’t be in here.”
An attorney’s family emergency put an end to Friday’s hearing. The case is scheduled to resume on April 9. Judge Sams warned Ross to not make any social media posts related to the prosecutor or the case.
Rick Ross at the Fayette County Court House this morning for his hearing of an assault at his mansion in June 2015. pic.twitter.com/BDbB7sK0BG
— Justin Fedich (@jfedich) March 24, 2017
DJ Khaled is here for the trial too. pic.twitter.com/MhFdEc8R2b
— Justin Fedich (@jfedich) March 24, 2017
Two hours into the hearing. Photo and video surveillance from Ross’s estate on day of alleged attack currently being presented to court.
— Justin Fedich (@jfedich) March 24, 2017
Rick Ross’s hearing resuming now after break for lunch. Case likely won’t be resolved today.
— Justin Fedich (@jfedich) March 24, 2017
Court is adjourned. Rick Ross’ case will resume April 4 at 9 a.m. My story with details on today’s hearing coming soon.
— Justin Fedich (@jfedich) March 24, 2017
Poor cell service but deputy is now on stand testifying on traffic stop following alleged assault @wsbtv https://t.co/cWdEOxdtDX
— Nicole Carr (@NicoleCarrWSB) March 24, 2017
Rick Ross’ attorney requesting cell # for recordsof Fayette deputy who arrested Ross during traffic stop following alleged assault @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/KNsH98xoRR
— Nicole Carr (@NicoleCarrWSB) March 24, 2017
So the judge warned Rick Ross about social media posts related to prosector,case.Just spotted him leaving courtroom. Live at 4 @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/UMyLrYMBnU
— Nicole Carr (@NicoleCarrWSB) March 24, 2017
20 Hip-Hop Albums Turning 10 in 2017
Subscribe to XXL on