Miami prosecutors drop felony charge against Rick Ross

Miami-Dade prosecutors eliminated the felony battery and strangulation charge against rapper Rick Ross on Friday. The decision leaves him facing only a misdemeanor domestic battery count. Prosecutors stated they lacked sufficient evidence to sustain the more serious allegation.

The legal dispute began in late August. According to a police report, Ross's ex-girlfriend, Jazzma Kendrick, alleged he assaulted her at his Star Island home on August 28. She told officers that Ross woke up angry after seeing she had been tagged in an Instagram photo. She claimed he slapped her in the face. Kendrick further stated that Ross accused her of cheating, struck her multiple times, and threw her into a wall. The report notes he grabbed her ponytail and choked her by twisting the collar of her hoodie until she could not breathe.

Miami Beach Police spokesman Christopher Bess said investigators collected a victim statement, injury photographs, and surveillance video. Bess stated the evidence established probable cause for the arrest. Ross turned himself in on October 1. He pleaded not guilty to both original charges. He spent a few hours in jail before being released on bail. Ross called the allegations fabricated and maintained his innocence at the time.

The first court hearing required a reset because prosecutors told the court they needed more time to file charges. The second arraignment took place on the morning of October 30. During that proceeding, officials announced the reduction of the felony count. Ross's attorney told local network WSVN that he was thrilled the serious charge was removed.

The case remains active with the remaining misdemeanor charge. Ross is scheduled to continue through the local court system for that count. The felony case is now closed due to the evidentiary findings by the prosecution.