**Country Star Darius Rucker Appears in Tennessee Court Over Drug Charges**
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country music star Darius Rucker, known for his role as the lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish and his successful solo career, appeared in a Tennessee courtroom on Tuesday to address drug charges stemming from a traffic stop in Williamson County.
Rucker, 58, was arrested on February 1, nearly a year after being found with psychedelic drugs during a traffic stop in Franklin, Tennessee. The arrest affidavit details that on February 19, 2023, a Franklin Police Department officer pulled Rucker over for a traffic violation on Murfreesboro Road. The officer reported smelling marijuana emanating from Rucker’s GMC pickup truck. When questioned, Rucker admitted to having smoked weed in the vehicle, though not on that particular night.
A search of the vehicle revealed 14 unstamped, grayish and purple pills, a THC pen labeled “88.5% THC,” and a blunt. Rucker informed the police that his girlfriend had given him the items and that he was unaware of the nature of the pills. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation later confirmed that the pills tested positive for psilocybin, a psychedelic and a Schedule I controlled substance.
Rucker is facing charges of simple possession, casual exchange, and violation of registration law, all of which are misdemeanors. He was released from the Williamson County Jail shortly after his arrest on a $10,500 bond.
During his court appearance on Tuesday, Rucker, dressed in a suit and glasses, stood before Judge Denise Andre for a docket call. His case was subsequently reset for September 10. Rucker’s attorney emphasized that the singer has been fully cooperating with law enforcement since his arrest.
The February 2023 traffic stop that led to Rucker’s arrest occurred when a Franklin police officer noticed an expired license plate on Rucker’s vehicle. Upon approaching the car, the officer detected the smell of marijuana, prompting a search that uncovered the aforementioned items. Rucker reiterated to the police that he did not know what the purple pills were and that they had been given to him by his girlfriend.
Following his brief court appearance, Rucker left the courtroom with his attorney, Mark Puryear, and Richard “Gus” Gusler, a North Carolina entertainment lawyer. The trio walked into Puryear’s law office, located directly across the street from the courthouse. Rucker departed in his black Mercedes-Benz SUV shortly before 10 a.m., declining to comment on the case.
Rucker’s legal troubles have not overshadowed his illustrious music career. The Hootie & the Blowfish frontman has won three Grammy Awards and recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Last year, he released his eighth solo album, “Carolyn’s Boy,” and is set to reunite with Hootie & the Blowfish for their “Summer Camp with Trucks” tour in 2024.
Despite the legal challenges, Rucker’s attorney remains optimistic about the outcome, citing Rucker’s cooperation with authorities and his commitment to resolving the matter. The court’s decision on September 10 will determine the next steps in this high-profile case.
Rucker’s fans and the country music community are closely watching the developments, hoping for a resolution that allows the beloved singer to continue his career without further legal entanglements. As the case progresses, Rucker’s legal team will undoubtedly work diligently to ensure a fair and just outcome.
Source: WSMV, Gray News, The Tennessean, People
