Darius Rucker, a three-time Grammy winner and Hollywood Walk of Fame recipient, was arrested by police in Franklin, Tenn. and charged with alleged simple possession/casual exchange and violation of registration law, according to Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Becky Coyle. An arrest affidavit revealed that the arrest, which occurred on a Friday, was related to a February 2023 incident. Rucker was pulled over for an expired license plate, and during the stop, the officer detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. A subsequent search uncovered a bag containing 14 unstamped purple pills identified as Psilocyn, a Schedule I controlled substance, along with a THC pen. Rucker, who allegedly claimed the items were given to him by his girlfriend and expressed uncertainty about the pills, was released that night pending the identification of the substances. He was arrested on Thursday and released on a $10,500 bond after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed the nature of the pills.
Rucker’s attorney, Mark Puryear, stated that Rucker is fully cooperating with authorities regarding the misdemeanor charges. The delay in Rucker’s arrest is yet to be clarified by the Franklin Police, and CNN has sought more information on the matter. Despite the legal troubles, Rucker, known for his achievements in the music industry, including his time with Hootie & the Blowfish, has garnered significant recognition, having received three Grammy awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the previous year.